Bulgana Green Energy Hub Community Benefit Fund open for applications
Published on 05 August 2025
Northern Grampians Shire community groups and not-for-profit organisations can apply for a share of $120,000 in funding through the 2025 Bulgana Green Power Hub Community Benefit Fund.
The fund supports community-led projects that create lasting, positive change across the shire.
Eligible organisations can apply for up to $5000 for small-scale projects and $20,000 for larger initiatives, with a co-contribution.
Northern Grampians Shire Council is administering the grants on behalf of Bulgana Green Power Hub.
Interested applicants can attend an online information session on Monday, August 11 from 6pm to 7pm.
The session will cover funding priorities, eligibility and how to develop a strong application.
People can click here for a link to the meeting, and to apply by August 31.
More information is available via the link – also accessed through a banner on council’s website homepage – or by emailing community@ngshire.vic.gov.au.
Applications for the fund close on August 31, 2025.
Council deputy mayor Justine Hide said the program prioritised projects that supported areas such as health and wellbeing, environmental sustainability, First Nations-led initiatives, arts and culture, disaster resilience, education and training.
“Last year’s Community Benefit Fund supported a wide range of projects across the municipality, demonstrating its aims to strengthen, connect and empower local communities,” she said.
“Successful applicants in 2024 included groups working to improve public spaces, community infrastructure, emergency services, and educational opportunities.”
Among last year’s successful applicants was Stawell Urban Landcare Group, which used its grant towards restoring an arboretum. The group installed new picnic tables and seating, helping to bring this historic green space back to life as a community and visitor destination.
Friends of the Grampians Rail Trail took steps towards completing a vital link across Pleasant Creek, enhancing access to Federation Park and the broader trail network.
Glenorchy CFA secured a thermal imaging camera to improve firefighting response, while Stawell Secondary College launched a project to provide fully equipped school bags to all incoming year-seven students, removing barriers to participation and learning.
Glenorchy Memorial Hall committee improved the comfort of the community meeting space by installing heating and cooling, while Navarre Hall leaders used money from the fund to better support volunteers with safer, more efficient storage solutions.
Sports and recreation opportunities also received a boost, with St Arnaud Netball Club acquiring a new electronic scoreboard to ease the burden on volunteers. Stawell Bowling Club improved the usability of its green by adding weather shelters and seating, Stawell Wildcats Basketball updated its long-serving representative uniforms, and Central Park received money towards an oval lighting upgrade to enhance the evening game experience for players and spectators alike.
The fund also supported several environmental and cultural initiatives. Project Platypus launched a hands-on conservation program to protect squirrel glider habitats, while Stawell Orchid Society began filming a series of educational videos to preserve the art and science of orchid growing.
In St Arnaud, a nature play area was proposed for Queen Mary Gardens, blending natural elements with sensory play equipment to encourage outdoor activity and creativity among local children.
“These projects are just a glimpse into how the Community Benefit Fund is helping local ideas grow into long-lasting community assets,” Cr Hide said.
“Council encourages community groups, clubs and organisations with a vision to make a positive impact to consider putting in an application.”