Rural City of Wangaratta invests in community through Grants Program

Published on 27 August 2026

2026 Community Grants

More than 20 community organisations and not-for-profit groups will share in over $100,000 funding through the Rural City of Wangaratta's 2026-27 Grants Program, supporting projects and events that strengthen community connections, improve local facilities, and enhance wellbeing across the municipality.

This year marks the first funding round under Council's combined Grants Program, which brings together four funding streams: Community Grants, Sponsorship Grant, Quick Response Grants, Tourism Event Grants.

The program supports a broad range of initiatives, from community events and cultural celebrations to infrastructure improvements, health and wellbeing programs, environmental projects, and equipment purchases that benefit local communities.

Deputy Mayor Harvey Benton:

"This program is about backing the people who make great things happen in our community.”

“The funded projects will deliver lasting benefits across the Rural City of Wangaratta; bringing community together, celebrating our history, inspiring the present, and giving courage to go forward.”

This year's Community Grants will support a diverse range of projects across the municipality, with several initiatives focused on strengthening community connection and inclusion. Wangaratta Players Theatre Company Youth Group will bring young people and older residents together through an intergenerational theatre project celebrating local stories.

Among this year's funded projects are:

Community Connection and Events

  • A Multicultural Food and Arts Festival led by the North East Multicultural Association.
  • An intergenerational theatre project by the Wangaratta Players Theatre Company Youth Group.
  • The 150-year celebrations of Glenrowan Primary School.

Health, Wellbeing, and Inclusion

  • Community fitness classes at Cheshunt Hall.
  • A wellbeing garden and cooking program at Myrrhee Primary School.
  • New educational toys for the Wangaratta Community Toy Library.
  • Replacement defibrillators for Milawa Bowls Club and Wangaratta Bridge Club.

Sport and Recreation

  • New table tennis barriers for Wangaratta Table Tennis Association.
  • Ski equipment for the Wangaratta Snowsports Youth Development Group.
  • Seating upgrades at Boorhaman Recreation Reserve and Eldorado Reserve.

Community Facilities

  • Improvements to the Bobinawarrah Soldier Memorial Hall.
  • Kitchen upgrades at the Yarrunga Scout Hall.
  • New digital equipment for the Wangaratta Ukulele Band.
  • Audio visual equipment to support Ovens Landcare Network member groups.

Council has also awarded a Sponsorship Grant to Loaves and Fishes Christians Caring to support its Individualised Hamper Program, helping provide customised food relief for Wangaratta residents experiencing acute financial hardship. The initiative delivers essential grocery items tailored to individual needs, supporting some of the community's most vulnerable people.

So far this year Quick Response Grants have been awarded to Milawa Bowls Club for the replacement of an outdated defibrillator and the Wangaratta District Specialist School who will expand opportunities for students through its Community Creations pop-up shop, showcasing products developed through student-led micro enterprises. Quick Response Grants remain open until funds are exhausted.

Tourism Event Grants will support events that showcase the region and attract visitors to Wangaratta. Recipients include the Wangaratta Cruise Night series, the 2027 Australian Mustang Nationals, expected to draw visitors from across Australia, and Brown Brothers x Grapes of Mirth, a popular food, wine, and comedy event in Milawa. Together, these events will help drive visitation, support local businesses, and promote the region as a vibrant destination.

The full list of successful recipients is available at Council's website www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/2026-Grant-Program/Grant-Recipients

 

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