Community grants on offer now

DOORS are now open on round two of the City of Mount Gambier Grants and Sponsorships Program.

This financial year alone Council is committing almost $700,000 towards community initiatives through the program.

City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin welcomed the opening of round two, highlighting the significant contribution the Grants and Sponsorships Program makes to the local community.

“Council’s Grants and Sponsorships Program plays a vital role in strengthening our community by supporting the events, projects and organisations that bring people together and make a real difference across our city,” Mayor Martin said.

“We are excited to see the community’s ideas and I encourage interested groups and organisations to submit their applications.”

Council initially allocated more than $450,000 in cash and $140,000 in-kind in the 2025/2026 budget to the program.

Following strong interest and take-up of funds through round one in September last year, council allocated an additional $90,000 to ensure continued investment in community-led initiatives for round two.

The program has previously supported a diverse range of community and event initiatives, including Legends of the Lakes Hillclimb and the Tower Trail Run.

Council granted the South East Automobile Club $5000 cash and almost $8000 almost in-kind support for the 2025 Legends of the Lakes Hillclimb.

Hillclimb coordinator and race director Kevin Raedel said it provided things such as line marking, a street sweeper to keep the surface clean and equipment which is instrumental for the future of the event with ever rising costs across the board.

“Council has been a huge supporter of Legend of The Lakes Hillclimb for 20 years and we take pride in working with council to deliver an iconic annual event that brings in a big financial contribution to Mount Gambier’s local businesses,” he said.

The Tower Trail Run, an annual, multi-distance trail running event held in the crater lakes area of Mount Gambier, received a major events grant to the value of $7500 cash and $200 in-kind in 2025.

Tower Trail Run race director Phil Ackland said council support helped cover the essentials.

“From timing services to infrastructure, and quality photo and video content that investment improved the participant experience on the day, and also gave us strong promotional content with which to showcase Mount Gambier’s iconic Crater Lakes precinct, with the aim to attract future visitors to our event and the larger Mount Gambier community,” he said.

City of Mount Gambier general manager people, place and liveability Chris White said the breadth of supported initiatives highlights the important role community organisations play in enhancing the city.

“Council is proud to support such a diverse range of activities and organisations, all of which play a vital role in making Mount Gambier a great place to live and visit,” he said.

All applications are assessed by a panel through a transparent and robust process against predetermined criteria.

How to apply

Applications must meet eligibility requirements and adhere to the Grants and Sponsorships Program Guidelines. For further information and to download an application form visit Grants and Sponsorships Program.

Completed applications and supporting documentation should be submitted via email to [email protected]

Applications close at 5pm on Friday, February 27, 2026, with successful applicants to be awarded funding following the March 2026 council meeting.