Community

17 August, 2026

Local projects share $140,000

FROM billiard tables and biodiversity research to a Beauty and the Beast production, 35 community projects will share more than $141,000 through Warrnambool City Council’s 2026-27 Community Development Fund.

At its August meeting, Warrnambool City Council endorsed over $141,000 in grants for projects led by local clubs, organisations and groups.

Running since 1999, the fund supports projects across creative activities, environment and sustainability, health and wellbeing, sport and recreation, and minor capital works.

Warrnambool mayor Cr Ben Blain said he looked forward each year to seeing the projects put forward for funding.

“It’s always great to see the creative and innovative ways so many different groups are able to use this funding,” he said.

“The funding requirements are left deliberately broad because we know that local groups know what will have the most impact.

“This year we have funded a really wide range of practical projects that will help groups purchase equipment, improve facilities, run programs and make it easier for more people to get involved in community life.

“Many of these organisations rely heavily on volunteers, and this funding is one way council can support the work they do across Warrnambool.”

Successful projects include the Find Your Voice Collective’s accessible orchestra, aquatic biodiversity research, party packs for hire through the Warrnambool Toy Library, new sporting equipment, environmental projects and programs encouraging greater participation among women, girls and young people.

Other projects will support local performances, mental health and wellbeing initiatives, improvements to community facilities and new opportunities for people to take part in sport, recreation and creative activities.

The successful grant recipients include:

• Holiday Actors Inc. (Beauty and the Beast) $4,117.65

• Friends of Warrnambool Botanic Gardens Inc. (yellow tail black cockatoos) $4,117.65

• Warrnambool Organ Festival (music from the silver screen) $4,117.65

• 2026 Coaster Art Show $600

• Warrnambool Symphony Orchestra Inc. (annual children’s concert) $4,117.65

• Warrnambool Ukulele Group (raising the group’s profile) $1,172

• Find Your Voice Collective (accessible orchestra) $4,117.65

• Warrnambool Theatre Company Inc. (Orlando) $4,117.65

• Kelp Magazine (promotional video and website upgrade project) $5,000

• Loved & Shared (supporting families through reuse and resource recovery) $3,703

• Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare Network (citizen science baselining of aquatic biodiversity in the Warrnambool region) $4,537.65

• Warrnambool Weed Warriors (equipment) $2,160

• Warrnambool Toy Library (party packs for hire) $4,117.65

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• Warrnambool Multiple Sclerosis Peer Support Group (identifying and managing stress) $3,817.65

• Lifeline Direct Limited (conversations that matter) $3,500

• Let’s Talk Foundation (ADHD and mental wellbeing community workshop) $4,500

• BirdLife Australia (facilitate communication and enjoyment of bird identification in a natural environment) $2,799

• Nestles Cricket Club Inc. (Reid Oval PA system upgrade) $10,000

• Warrnambool Club Inc. (external building preservation) $8,000

• Warrnambool Adult Riding Club (horse fencing at Warrnambool Showgrounds) $2,408

• Warrnambool Senior Citizens Club (recloth billiard tables) $3,800

• Warrnambool Springers Gymnastics Inc. (inflatable safety pit) $4,117.65

• Warrnambool & District Football Netball League (centre of excellence) $5,000

• Warrnambool Yacht Club (training dinghy) $4,117.65

• Warrnambool Little Athletics Club Inc. (equipment) $4,297.65

• Merrivale Cricket Club Inc. (growing girls cricket) $2,669.15

• Athletics South West Turbines (equipment) $4,728.65

• South C Dragons Inc. (equipment to support coaching) $2,117.65

• Warrnambool Kyokushin Karate Social Club Inc. (training mats and safety equipment for inclusivity) $5,000

• The Warrnambool Billiards and 8 Ball Club (expanded community participation) $5,000

• Warrnambool Touch Football Club Inc. (launching female and junior pathways) $3,000

• Warrnambool Rangers Football Club Inc. (inclusive uniform renewal project) $5,000

• Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club (developing youth volunteer surf life saver ocean skills) $3,117.65

• City of Warrnambool Rowing Club (increase participation in women, girls and older adults) $4,117.65

• Warrnambool City Croquet Club (Let’s Rock Around the Croq!) $4,117.65

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