Community
8 August, 2025
Big winners in latest funding round
PREMIER Speedway, Warrnambool Racing Club, Life Saving Victoria and the Citizens Road Race Committee are among the big winners in the latest round of community grants.
At a special presentation ceremony on Wednesday night, Warrnambool City Council delivered its largest ever round of community grants, with 47 local groups and events sharing in over $300,000 (delivered through the Community Development Fund and the Festivals and Events Fund).
“What I really like about these two funds is how broad the funding criteria is,” Warrnambool mayor Cr Ben Blain said.
“They support the simple and essential, and they also give space for creativity, helping people solve problems and bring new ideas to life.
“Where else can a grant support new toys for the toy library, and help the model railway club run its trains using solar power?
“Or help preserve the legacy of the second oldest one-day cycling race in the world while also giving new events the chance to start their own traditions?”
Cr Blain said that looking at the list of this year’s recipients, it represents a snapshot of what Warrnambool has to offer.
“It’s supporting the arts, with theatre, music and multimedia, and support for almost every sport imaginable.
“And of course there are events, big and small, that bring neighbours together, visitors to the city, and create lifetime memories.”
Among the largest grants allocated, Premier Speedway Club received $20,000 towards hosting the Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic.
Also to receive $20,000 were Life Saving Victoria (2026 Vic Junior championships), Warrnambool Racing Club (May carnival) and the Warrnambool Citizens Road Race Committee (Melbourne-Warrnambool cycling festival).
The following groups/events each received $10,000:
North Warrnambool Eagles FNC (construction of an accessible toilet at Bushfield Community Hall).
Nestles Rowling Club/Warrnambool Kayak Club (changeroom shed upgrade).
Russells Creek Club (multipurpose community space).
Warrnambool Showgrounds Reserve (Warrnambool Rodeo and RSA Finals 2025).
Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Club (Lawn Open 2026).
Warrnambool Multicultural Association (multicultural festival).
Warrnambool RSL Sub Branch (Remembrance Day/ANZAC Day).
Warrnambool Running Club (Warrnambool Running Festival).
Warrnambool Agriculture Society (Warrnambool Show).
A further $9,010 was allocated to Corporate Cycling Australia for the ‘Dirty Warny’ event, while The F Project received $7,595 for the 2025 Fabric of Life Festival.
Armed Vics Incorporated received $6,400 for the 2025 National Bowling Arm Championship and the Warrnambool BMX Club was allocated just over $6,000 towards hosting the 2026 AusCycling BMX state series.
The following groups/event have each been allocated $5,000:
South C Dragons (new dragon boat to increase membership).
Warrnambool Wolves Football Club (website development).
South Rovers FNC (purchase of kitchen equipment).
Archers of Warrnambool (easy move target stands).
Southwest Strength Sports (strongest man/woman equipment purchase).
Warrnambool and Moyne District Cricket Association (centenary celebrations).
City of Warrnambool Eisteddfod (dance eisteddfod).
Warrnambool and District Historical Society (into the 1890s: access to more standards online).
Warrnambool Theatre Company (My Brilliant Career production).
Holiday Actors (summer performance).
Warrnambool City Band (keyboard percussion purchase).
Warrnambool Toy Library (purchase of new toys).
Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club (equipment for ladies competing in women’s surf boat rowing).
Hockey South West (growing hockey).
Warrnambool Gift Inc (Warrnambool Gift).
Other community grants included the following:
One Day Studios (expansion pack) was allocated $4,852; Beach Patrol Australia (enclosed equipment trailer) $4,830; Community Radio Endeavour (split system) $3,942 and Filipino Community (Filipino Fiesta) $3,050.
Warrnambool Repair Café (equipment and training) $2,806.
Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare (infill planting downstream) $2,000.
Warrnambool Action Squash Club (increasing youth participation) $1,500.
Warrnambool and District Orchid Society (2025 show) $1,155.
Warrnambool Swimming Club (physio-led pilates for adolescent female swimmers) $1,200.
Warrnambool and District Easter Arts Festival (festival) $1,100.
Athletics South West (track starter blocks) $1,017.
Warrnambool City Croquet Club (modern technology) $1,000.
Dennington Community Association (Carols by the Merri) $1,000.
Extreme Life (Christmas Spectacular) $500.
