Greater Shepparton City Council has awarded over $450,000 in funding to community groups, not-for-profit organizations, and residents through its 2024/2025 Community Grants Program. Distributed across 12 grant programs, the funding supported 115 successful applications, enabling projects and initiatives valued at more than $1.5 million across the municipality. The grants aim to strengthen local communities by backing initiatives in areas such as community events, sports and recreation, heritage conservation, multicultural celebrations, youth activities, health and wellbeing, arts and culture, access and inclusion, and facility upgrades.
Successful recipients included grassroots community groups like Neighbourhood Houses, Lions and Rotary clubs, and Men’s Sheds, sporting organizations supported through the Our Sporting Future Fund, and community groups organizing Australia Day and Christmas events across towns such as Tatura, Mooroopna, Dookie, Murchison, and Arcadia. Heritage property owners received support for conservation works, while creative organizations and individuals benefited from the Creative City Grants. Youth-focused projects were supported through the new Freeza Festival Grant Program.
In addition to the community grants, the Council provided more than $425,000 in financial and in-kind support through its Major Events Sponsorship and Partnership Program. A total of 23 major events received assistance, including large-scale sporting tournaments and cultural festivals, which attract thousands of visitors, foster local participation, and generate significant economic benefits for the region.
Mayor Shane Sali highlighted that the program demonstrates the Council’s vital role in supporting both grassroots initiatives and major events. He emphasized that the funding helps community groups and volunteers grow their projects, while simultaneously promoting cultural celebrations, sporting clubs, and creative initiatives. The combined support strengthens community connections and contributes to economic development, making Greater Shepparton a vibrant, inclusive, and engaged municipality.
