MidCoast Council has announced more than $140,000 in funding to support a wide range of community projects across the region in 2026. The investment is designed to strengthen local culture, support community organisations, and boost public events that bring residents and visitors together.
A significant portion of the funding has been allocated through the Community and Cultural Development Grant Program 2026, which awarded $76,084 to 29 organisations. These grants will help deliver community-led projects, cultural initiatives, and equipment support for local groups. Recipients include organisations such as Cape Hawke Surf Life Saving Club, Great Lakes Band, and Manning Homeless Action Group, all working to improve social wellbeing and community participation across the MidCoast region.
Event Sponsorships Round 1 2026 has provided $36,500 in support to 12 events across the area. This funding helps strengthen events that attract visitors and celebrate local identity, including well-known regional gatherings such as the Stroud International Brick and Rolling Pin Throwing Festival, Subsonic, and Wingham Beef Week. The initiative aims to boost tourism, encourage community connection, and showcase the MidCoast as a vibrant destination.
The MidCoast Arts Support Program 2026 has allocated $15,000 to four organisations delivering creative and cultural projects aligned with the region’s cultural priorities. Groups such as Stroud Crowd Choir and Gloucester Arts and Cultural Council will use the funding to expand arts participation and strengthen creative expression within the community.
An additional $8,000 has been awarded to support NAIDOC Week celebrations, with funding granted to the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Aboriginal Reference Group and Forster Local Aboriginal Land Council. These initiatives promote Aboriginal culture, heritage, and community engagement through inclusive events that encourage broader participation.
MidCoast Council’s 2026 funding program highlights its continued commitment to supporting grassroots organisations, cultural development, and community events. Through targeted grants and sponsorships, the council aims to empower local groups and create lasting social and cultural benefits across the region.
