Community
7 November, 2025
Cash boost for community groups
COMMUNITY groups across Moyne Shire will share in almost $150,000 of funding through council’s first round of the 2025/26 Community Assistance Fund.
At last week’s council meeting, councillors approved $124,367 in matched funding to groups across the shire for projects in the over $3,000 category.
This includes new scoreboards, safety equipment, fencing, a mower and more.
When this funding is combined with community group and other contributions, the total financial injection into the local economy will exceed $336,000.
Moyne Shire mayor Cr Karen Foster highlighted the Community Assistance Fund as an important way for local groups to bring their projects to life.
“This fund is designed to support clubs and organisations in enhancing their facilities, purchasing new equipment, or rolling out programs and initiatives that are meaningful to the wider community; and this list is a great reflection of that,” Cr Foster said.
“This fund is one of council’s most practical programs and it’s been great to see so many applications for community projects and facilities.
“It was particularly pleasing to see the Nirranda Cricket Club take a collaborative approach with the Nirranda Football Netball Club and Community Asset Committee.
“All three bodies contributed towards a new hard wicket for the oval, in line with the recently adopted Nirranda Recreation Reserve Master Plan that guides future development and use of the reserve for the next 10 to 15 years.”
Cr Foster believes this funding empowers groups to take initiative and strengthen their partnerships with council, so both organisations can work together to build resilient and connected communities.
“We very much look forward to seeing these projects develop and congratulate all the latest funding recipients,” she said.
Council also received many strong applications for grants in the under $3,000 category.
These projects included heating for the Bessiebelle Mechanics Institute, men’s mental health workshops in Port Fairy, netball post padding at Nirranda, and support for Cudgee Primary School’s student-led night market.
Successful applications under $3,000 included the following:
Port Fairy Men’s Shed - lifting machine for heavy items, $1,750.
Koroit Scouts - painting of main scout hall and kitchen $2,857.
Port Fairy Tennis Club - entrance gate upgrade $2,966.
Warrnambool Nature Reserves Society - Narringal East Picnic Reserve weed control $1,596.
Port Fairy Basketball Association – basketball safety equipment $2,346.
Port Fairy Community Group -men’s mental health workshops $1,500.
Southcombe Park Sporting Complex - lighting upgrades stage one $2,000.
Port Fairy Surf Life Saving Club - 100-year anniversary commemorative book $2,740.
Nirranda Football Netball Club - netball post padding $2,538.
Port Fairy RSL sub branch - increased seating for users $2,736.
Cudgee Primary School - youth-led Cudgee night market $870.
Successful applications over $3,000:
Port Fairy Agricultural Society - golf buggy for accessibility at events $5,475.
Nirranda Cricket Club - hard wicket for cricket oval $15,000.
East Framlingham Golf Club -debris blower $9,545.
Koroit Football Netball Club - new scoreboard at Victoria Park $15,000.
Port Fairy Bowls Club - safety handrails and seating $10,500.
Panmure Action Group - replace fencing at ANZAC memorial $3,000.
Hockey South West - coaching pathways program $3,000.
Northern Raiders Cricket Club - upgrade CCTV cameras, wi-fi and fence $4,239.
Warrnambool Field and Game - trailer $3,477.
Panmure Football Netball Club - electronic netball scoreboard $2,530.
Port Fairy-Warrnambool Rail Trail - new mower $4,454.
