Event Grants Program

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The Event Grants Program for 2025/26 has now closed. This page will be updated when the next round opens.

The Event Grants Program supports the delivery of vibrant, inclusive and diverse events that bring people together and showcase the best of Indigo Shire. From major festivals to local celebrations, these grants help strengthen community pride, boost visitation and support the region’s cultural and economic vitality.

What the program supports

Funding is available for a wide range of community and tourism events, including:

  • Music events, festivals and cultural celebrations
  • Agricultural shows and seasonal markets
  • Fun runs, sporting events and family fun days
  • Christmas events, community lunches and local traditions
  • New and emerging events that activate townships and attract visitors

Past funded events include the Beechworth Biennale, Spring Ditch, agricultural shows, community carols, the Off‑Grid Living Festival and the Yackandandah Christmas Open House.

Funding available

A total pool of $60,000 is available each year, with grants typically ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

Who can apply

The program is open to:

  • Event organisers
  • Community groups
  • Not‑for‑profit organisations
  • Local committees and volunteer‑run groups

Events must be held within Indigo Shire and demonstrate community, cultural or economic benefit.

Why this program matters

Events play a vital role in strengthening community spirit and showcasing the unique character of our towns. These grants help ensure that local celebrations, festivals and gatherings continue to thrive — supporting volunteers, attracting visitors and enriching life across Indigo Shire.

How to apply

Details will be shared when the grants program opens for this year.

The Event Grants Program for 2025/26 has now closed. This page will be updated when the next round opens.

The Event Grants Program supports the delivery of vibrant, inclusive and diverse events that bring people together and showcase the best of Indigo Shire. From major festivals to local celebrations, these grants help strengthen community pride, boost visitation and support the region’s cultural and economic vitality.

What the program supports

Funding is available for a wide range of community and tourism events, including:

  • Music events, festivals and cultural celebrations
  • Agricultural shows and seasonal markets
  • Fun runs, sporting events and family fun days
  • Christmas events, community lunches and local traditions
  • New and emerging events that activate townships and attract visitors

Past funded events include the Beechworth Biennale, Spring Ditch, agricultural shows, community carols, the Off‑Grid Living Festival and the Yackandandah Christmas Open House.

Funding available

A total pool of $60,000 is available each year, with grants typically ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

Who can apply

The program is open to:

  • Event organisers
  • Community groups
  • Not‑for‑profit organisations
  • Local committees and volunteer‑run groups

Events must be held within Indigo Shire and demonstrate community, cultural or economic benefit.

Why this program matters

Events play a vital role in strengthening community spirit and showcasing the unique character of our towns. These grants help ensure that local celebrations, festivals and gatherings continue to thrive — supporting volunteers, attracting visitors and enriching life across Indigo Shire.

How to apply

Details will be shared when the grants program opens for this year.

  • Event Grants recipients for 2025/26

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    We are delighted to announce the recipients of the 2025/26 Event Grants Program, with $60,000 awarded to support 22 events across the Shire.

    This year, 33 applications were received, seeking more than $150,000 in funding. Following assessment by the independent Event Grants Panel, a diverse mix of community events, cultural programs, festivals, and recreational activities have been funded to celebrate local identity and bring our towns to life.

    Applicant Name Project Description Funding Amount
    Australian Red Cross Society Teddy Bears Picnic $3,000
    Barnawartha Development Association Barnawartha Development Association – Back to the 1950s $2,000
    Beechworth Biennale Inc Beechworth Biennale 2026 $5,000
    Beechworth Health Service Connecting Generations through Good Food $2,400
    Beechworth Old Cranks Motor Club Inc Drive Back in Time 2026 $3,000
    BMF Productions Pty Ltd Spring Ditch 2026 $3,000
    Chiltern Neighbourhood House Let’s Do it! $1,250
    Chiltern Tourism & Development Inc Back to the 1950’s Festival $2,000
    Friends of Chiltern Mt Pilot National Park Introducing the Beautiful and Unique Chiltern Mt Pilot National Park $1,700
    Kergunyah Memorial Hall Kergunyah Community Bush Dance $2,000
    Kiewa Tangam Lions Club (Auspice organisation) Tangam-Kiewa Community Carols $2,000
    Old Stone Hall Live and Intimate music, songwriting workshop pilot and visual arts exhibition $4,000
    Padded Cell Productions Metal in the Mountains 2025 $3,000
    Quad Events Pty Ltd Quad Crown – The Mystic Yak $4,000
    Red Knights International Fire Fighters Motorcycle Club Red Knights Aus 14 Big Day Out $4,600
    Rutherglen Agricultural Society Inc Rutherglen Annual Agricultural Show 2025 $4,250
    Rutherglen Community Carols – Murray Arts Inc (Auspice org) Rutherglen Carols By Candlelight $2,500
    Rutherglen Golf Club Inc The 19th Hole Experience $1,800
    Sandy Creek Memorial Hall Inc Small Halls Festival $2,000
    Winterwords Autonomous Collective Inc Winterwords 2025 $2,000
    Wooragee Primary School Wooragee Easter Market 2026 $1,500
    Yackandandah Chamber of Commerce Yackandandah Christmas Open House (Working Title Only) $3,000
    TOTAL
    		$60,000

    Why Some Applications Miss Out

    Applications are assessed by the Event Grants Panel against published guidelines and criteria. Funding is awarded to events that best demonstrate:

    • Strong alignment with Council Plan priorities
    • Broad community impact and inclusivity
    • Financial sustainability and capacity to deliver
    • A clear budget showing essential costs and diverse income streams

    Given the high number of quality applications and limited funding pool, many worthy events were unable to be supported this round.

    If your event did not receive funding through the Event Grants Program, there are still other avenues of support available.

    A Council officer will contact you to:

    • Discuss Council’s Quick Response Logistics Program – which may be suitable for smaller initiatives or where a modest contribution can help an event proceed.

    • Provide guidance on other opportunities – including state, federal, or sponsorship funding sources that may align with your event.

    • Explore partnership options – identifying potential collaborations with community groups, local businesses, or regional organisations to share resources, strengthen delivery, and reduce costs.

    This follow-up ensures that even if your event was not funded in this round, you still have access to advice and pathways that may assist with future planning and delivery.

    We are delighted to announce the recipients of the 2025/26 Event Grants Program, with $60,000 awarded to support 22 events across the Shire.

    This year, 33 applications were received, seeking more than $150,000 in funding. Following assessment by the independent Event Grants Panel, a diverse mix of community events, cultural programs, festivals, and recreational activities have been funded to celebrate local identity and bring our towns to life.

    Applicant Name Project Description Funding Amount
    Australian Red Cross Society Teddy Bears Picnic $3,000
    Barnawartha Development Association Barnawartha Development Association – Back to the 1950s $2,000
    Beechworth Biennale Inc Beechworth Biennale 2026 $5,000
    Beechworth Health Service Connecting Generations through Good Food $2,400
    Beechworth Old Cranks Motor Club Inc Drive Back in Time 2026 $3,000
    BMF Productions Pty Ltd Spring Ditch 2026 $3,000
    Chiltern Neighbourhood House Let’s Do it! $1,250
    Chiltern Tourism & Development Inc Back to the 1950’s Festival $2,000
    Friends of Chiltern Mt Pilot National Park Introducing the Beautiful and Unique Chiltern Mt Pilot National Park $1,700
    Kergunyah Memorial Hall Kergunyah Community Bush Dance $2,000
    Kiewa Tangam Lions Club (Auspice organisation) Tangam-Kiewa Community Carols $2,000
    Old Stone Hall Live and Intimate music, songwriting workshop pilot and visual arts exhibition $4,000
    Padded Cell Productions Metal in the Mountains 2025 $3,000
    Quad Events Pty Ltd Quad Crown – The Mystic Yak $4,000
    Red Knights International Fire Fighters Motorcycle Club Red Knights Aus 14 Big Day Out $4,600
    Rutherglen Agricultural Society Inc Rutherglen Annual Agricultural Show 2025 $4,250
    Rutherglen Community Carols – Murray Arts Inc (Auspice org) Rutherglen Carols By Candlelight $2,500
    Rutherglen Golf Club Inc The 19th Hole Experience $1,800
    Sandy Creek Memorial Hall Inc Small Halls Festival $2,000
    Winterwords Autonomous Collective Inc Winterwords 2025 $2,000
    Wooragee Primary School Wooragee Easter Market 2026 $1,500
    Yackandandah Chamber of Commerce Yackandandah Christmas Open House (Working Title Only) $3,000
    TOTAL
    		$60,000

    Why Some Applications Miss Out

    Applications are assessed by the Event Grants Panel against published guidelines and criteria. Funding is awarded to events that best demonstrate:

    • Strong alignment with Council Plan priorities
    • Broad community impact and inclusivity
    • Financial sustainability and capacity to deliver
    • A clear budget showing essential costs and diverse income streams

    Given the high number of quality applications and limited funding pool, many worthy events were unable to be supported this round.

    If your event did not receive funding through the Event Grants Program, there are still other avenues of support available.

    A Council officer will contact you to:

    • Discuss Council’s Quick Response Logistics Program – which may be suitable for smaller initiatives or where a modest contribution can help an event proceed.

    • Provide guidance on other opportunities – including state, federal, or sponsorship funding sources that may align with your event.

    • Explore partnership options – identifying potential collaborations with community groups, local businesses, or regional organisations to share resources, strengthen delivery, and reduce costs.

    This follow-up ensures that even if your event was not funded in this round, you still have access to advice and pathways that may assist with future planning and delivery.

Page last updated: 12 May 2026, 02:54 PM