A longboard surfing event, a Toormina preschool’s 50th anniversary celebration, Sawtell Super Fun Day and a football and wellbeing program for young people are among the initiatives to receive support through the City of Coffs Harbour’s 2026–27 Community Donations Program.
The City received 57 applications, with 46 approved for funding after being assessed against merit and eligibility criteria. Successful applicants will share $52,074 in grants.
An additional 11 community events received funding of up to $1,000 each through the Community Event Micro Grants Program.
The Community Donations Program also provides direct subsidies of $9,000 to each of the City’s four surf life saving clubs: Coffs Harbour, Red Rock, Sawtell and Woolgoolga.
“The Community Donations Program also includes direct subsidies of $9,000 to each of our four Surf Life Saving Clubs – Coffs Harbour, Red Rock, Sawtell and Woolgoolga,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“Plus there are financial subsidies to groups for rates and charges on City-owned and managed assets – so the total support amounts to more than $220,000.”
City Chief Financial Officer Amy Mott said some of the largest rates and charges subsidies include:
- Advocate Park — $16,273
- Sawtell Toormina Sports & Recreation Club — $15,385
- Woolgoolga Surf Life Saving Club — $15,021
- Coffs Harbour Rugby Club — $9,805
Community groups across the local government area will benefit from the program.
RISE Coffs Harbour will receive $3,500 for its football and wellbeing program, which aims to build community connections and improve outcomes for young people, particularly refugees resettling in Coffs Harbour.
Woolgoolga Longboard Club will receive $1,000 to help stage its annual classic, while Sawtell Super Fun Day Inc will receive $4,000 towards its community event.
Toormina Community Preschool has secured $1,500 to support its 50th anniversary celebration at Sawtell Village Green.
“I congratulate all of the groups on their successful applications and look forward to seeing the rubber hit the road in the next financial year,” Williams said.
Sawtell and Woolgoolga Chambers of Commerce were not considered under the Community Donations Program because they receive funding for minor events through Economic Development Partnership agreements with the City.
Council also resolved to delegate authority to the General Manager, in consultation with the Mayor, to allocate the remaining unallocated donations funding of just over $10,000 in accordance with the Community Donations and Grant Funding Policy.
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