Festive and Commemorative Events Grants
Funding for community-led Christmas, New Year, Australia Day, Anzac Day and Remembrance Day community events.
Festive and Commemorative Events grants support costs associated with delivering the following community-led event types only:
- Festive Season Events - Christmas, New Year (31 December/1 January) and Australia Day
- Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.
Applications for funding for all other types of events can be submitted in the major or minor grant rounds under the category most relevant to the focus of the event.
Information on eligibility, category priorities and assessment criteria
Community Grants guidelines (PDF, 301KB) updated January 2024
What funding is available?
- Up to $15,000 for regional events
- Up to $3000 for local events.
Well-established community organisations with a proven track record of delivering festive or commemorative community-led events can apply for up to three years funding.
When funding is available?
Applications for single-year funding are open year-round, closing for assessment every three months.
Applications for multi-year funding open each year on 1 June and close on 31 July.
Single year and Multi-year applications can be submitted for the following events:
- Festive Season – Christmas/New Year 2024 (now passed), 2025, 2026
- Australia Day – 2025 (now passed), 2026, 2027
- Anzac Day – 2025 (now passed), 2026, 2027
- Remembrance Day – 2024 (now passed), 2025, 2026.
Note: Applications for 2025 Christmas/New Year and 2026 Australia Day events must be submitted by 31 October 2025.
Note: Applications for 2026 Anzac events must be submitted by 31 January 2026.
Please see below for round close key dates to assist with planning:
| Round Closing Dates | Notes |
| 31 July 2024 | Multi-year requests for up to 3 years of funding can be submitted in this round only |
| 31 October 2024 | Final date for 2024 Christmas/New Year events |
| 31 January 2025 | Final date for 2025 Anzac events |
| 30 April 2025 | |
| 31 July 2025 | Multi-year requests for up to 2 years of funding can be submitted in this round only |
| 31 October 2025 | Final date for 2025 Christmas/New Year events |
| 31 January 2026 | Final date for 2026 Anzac events |
| 30 April 2026 | |
| 31 July 2026 | No multi-year requests this year as it is the third year of the three year cycle |
| 31 October 2026 | Final date for 2026 Christmas/New Year events |
| 31 January 2027 | Final date for 2027 Anzac events |
| 30 April 2027 |
When will I know if I have been successful?
- Notification is approximately 3 weeks from round close (applications are assessed every three months).
How to apply
- If you are new to this program, or if you have been receiving single year funding and now want to apply for multi-year funding, you need to discuss your project with one of Council's Creative Arts & Events team representatives as below. (Do not phone if you are an existing applicant who has already received a link to the application form.)
- Colin - 0416 429 329
- If approved to progress, a link to the application form will be emailed to you.
- Applications must be submitted online.
- Applications must be submitted before starting the project.
- Events must be scheduled to take place after notification of funding outcomes.
What else should I consider when applying for funding?
- Grant writing tips and project planning tools (including auspicing)
- Acknowledging council, acquitting your grant
- Previous successful applicants
- Help and resources.
Variations to already funded projects
If you require a project variation or an extension of your project dates, contact the Grants Team via [email protected] with the details.