March opening for Shire grants program

COMMUNITY groups and not-for-profit organisations are being encouraged to apply for the next round of Moorabool Shire Council community grants.

The funding round will open on Sunday 1 March and will remain open until Tuesday 31 March.

The program provides more than $270,000 a year to help local groups implement projects, deliver services and run events that strengthen community wellbeing and participation.

Previous successful applicants have included the Blackwood and Barrys Reef Landcare Group, which used its grant money to run a series of environmental workshops focused on conservation education and community skills development.

Another recipient, the Bacchus Marsh and Melton Community Theatre group, has completed several theatre equipment upgrades through the program including stage lighting, portable lighting and sound systems.

And the Ballan Shire Historical Society is using a grant to construct an outbuilding behind the town’s old courthouse, which will be used as an archival storage area and a workshop for its extensive heritage collection.

Moorabool mayor Cr Steve Venditti-Taylor said the Shire received many applications in the 2025 rounds and encouraged local groups to submit one in March.

“If this is your first time applying for a community grant, reach out to council and attend the grant writing workshop or drop-in sessions to help you,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to seeing what the community wants to fund this year.”

The free grant writing workshop Cr Venditti-Taylor referred to will be held from 6pm to 7pm on Thursday 24 February.

It will take place online via Microsoft Teams and will cover eligibility, successful project examples, funding streams and assessment criteria.

Drop-in support sessions will be available in March for applicants needing help with the application process, documentation, assessment criteria or navigating the SmartyGrants platform.

The first will be on 2 March at the Lerderderg Library in Bacchus Marsh; the second on 3 March at the Ballan Library; and the third on 5 March at the Gordon Public Hall.

All sessions will run from 3pm to 6pm.

To register for the online workshop or the drop-in sessions, go to moorabool.vic.gov.au/communitygrants