Bellingen Shire Council has announced the successful recipients of the first round of its 2026–27 Community Grants Program, with funding awarded to a broad range of community projects and events across the shire.
The program supports applications through four funding streams: the Community Support Fund, Community Event Sponsorship Fund, Creative Placemaking Fund and the Environment Levy Community Grants Program.
At its June 2026 ordinary meeting, council approved a total of $52,040.78 in grant funding to support projects and events delivered by local community groups and organisations.
Bellingen Shire Mayor Steve Allan said the grants program continued to attract strong interest from across the community.
“Our Community Grants Program is incredibly popular and competitive, making choosing the successful applications a great challenge for the panel. It’s an honour to support projects and events which make our community such a great place to live, play and work in,” said Allan.
“This round saw applications from a wide variety of groups and organisations, representing different communities, interests and locations across the Shire. It’s encouraging to see so many people actively working to strengthen community connections, support local creativity, care for our environment and bring people together.”
Community Support Fund
Council awarded a total of $7,468 for the following projects:
- Bellingen Community Arts Council — Bellingen Shire Arts Trail Weekend 2026.
- Urunga Surf Life Saving Club — communications upgrades to improve beach safety.
- Dorrigo Dramatic Club — stage lighting upgrades.
- Dorrigo Highlanders Football Club — new equipment to support growth in junior sport participation.
Community Event Sponsorship Fund
A total of $13,200 was awarded to support the following events:
- Taranta Arts Inc — Bellingen Taranta Festival 2026.
- Camp Creative — community celebration event nights.
- Bellingen Theatre Troupe — production of a new performance during 2026–27 at Bellingen Memorial Hall.
- Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival Inc — marquee hire costs for the festival.
- The Grub Club Education Fund — Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity Match 2027.
Creative Placemaking Fund
Council allocated $6,408.78 to the following projects:
- The Art Space Urunga — Brush Strokes II.
- Frank Muera — an untitled sculpture project to be displayed at the Taranta Festival 2026.
- Repton Public School P&C Association — restoration and new artwork for the cow sculpture on Mylestom Drive.
Environment Levy Community Fund
Council awarded $24,964 to the following initiatives:
- Bellingen Urban Landcare Inc — lowland rainforest restoration at Bellingen Showgrounds and riparian restoration at Bellingen Golf Course.
- Connell Creek Landcare Group — restoration works along Connell Creek.
- Friends of Wonga Forest Landcare Group — rainforest rehabilitation in Wonga Forest.
- Tuckers Rock Landcare Group — restoration works at Tuckers Rock.
- Northbank Community Garden — construction of raised garden beds.
Allan congratulated the successful applicants and thanked all organisations and community groups that submitted applications.
“Congratulations to this round’s recipients. We look forward to seeing these projects delivered and the positive outcomes they create for our communities. I also extend my thanks to every group that applied. The time, energy and commitment invested in developing these projects contributes significantly to the social, cultural and environmental wellbeing of our Shire,” said Allan.
The second round of the Community Grants Program will open on 2 September and close on 30 September 2026.
Further information about the Community Grants Program and Environment Levy Community Fund is available at: www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/Community/Grants-and-Funding.
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