Share ideas, build connections at Community in Action celebrations
Published on 06 October 2026
Northern Grampians Shire Council will recognise some of the people, projects and ideas making a difference in the community at special Celebrating Community in Action events in Stawell and St Arnaud.
The events, open to the public, will showcase projects and initiatives supported through council funding, provide opportunities to share knowledge and expertise through engaging panel discussions, and feature inspiring guest speakers.
They will also offer an opportunity for residents to come together, meet new people, share ideas and build connections.
The Stawell get-together is at Stawell Railway Station Gallery on Tuesday, October 13 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
Council will host the St Arnaud event at St Arnaud Band Hall on Thursday, October 22 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
Both events are free of charge, however RSVPs are essential.
Mayor Karen Hyslop said she hoped attendees would be inspired by the wonderful projects happening within the municipality and keen to explore potential partnerships.
"Everyone who received a council Community Development grant or sponsorship in 2025/26 has been invited to attend and celebrate their efforts," she said.
"The events are also open to the wider community. They are a great platform for grant recipients and other community groups implementing successful projects to share their stories, outcomes and lessons learned – inspiring others and raising awareness of community initiatives.
“Last year we hosted community celebrations at the conclusion of our grants rounds and it was a great success, so we are looking forward to building on that this year."
Council delivered $96,000 in Community Development funding in 2025/26, providing valuable support to local community and not-for-profit organisations through five funding streams.
The year’s Community Grants provided $37,205 to support local projects that reflected priorities consistently raised through Council Plan engagement and reflected in priority themes of strengthening social connection and community belonging; encouraging greater participation in sport and recreation, particularly for under-represented groups; and building the capacity of community groups.
Council distributed $10,898 in Community Event Grants in support of local events that bring people together, celebrate our communities and create opportunities for connection and participation.
Minor Grants totalling $3460 were provided to support small, one-off activities, equipment purchases and initiatives that could be quickly implemented to benefit local organisations and the community.
Council provided Community Sponsorships to the value of $24,413 in support of local initiatives focused on youth education and skills development; promoting Northern Grampians Shire to wider audiences; celebrating and strengthening our communities; encouraging participation in sport and recreation; and supporting creativity, culture and local identity.
Council's Arts and Culture Grants Program supports projects and initiatives that contribute towards outcomes that result in an inclusive creative community, through participation; a well-respected and connected arts community, through raising the profile of arts and culture; or activated town centres and rural communities, through the celebration of place.
In 2025/26, council awarded arts and culture funding totalling $20,000 for four projects. Four schools also received $500 apiece from council's 2026 Creative Education Fund.
Council currently has several funding streams open for applications for eligible community, sporting and not-for-profit groups with suitable event, initiative or project ideas.
People can click here for more information about grant and sponsorship opportunities and to apply.