The recipients of the Bellingen Shire Council Community Grants Program and Environment Levy Community Fund for Round 2 have been announced for the 2025/26 financial year.
At the November Ordinary meeting, Council approved a total of $31,855 in grant funding across four categories:
• The Community Support Fund
• Community Event Sponsorship Fund
• Creative Placemaking Fund
• Environment Levy Community Fund.
Mayor Cr. Steve Allan acknowledged that the grants program continues to attract a strong field of applicants, showcasing the connected, creative and sustainable ethos that defines our community.
“The grant program is so important for our community because it enables various community groups to bring things forward that they think are important, whether it be for the environment, sport, creative or cultural endeavours, and receive support from this program,” said Mayor Allan.
“Every cent that Council invests in these grant programs is returned in spades through the benefits to the broader community, and we congratulate all the successful applicants.”
“With so many excellent proposals and limited funding, the selection process is never easy. While some worthwhile projects miss out in such a competitive program, it’s inspiring to see the level of initiative and engagement that continues to thrive across the Shire.”
“It’s a big job to go through all these applications and I would like to thank the staff for all their work during the selection process, particularly the way it’s been reported to Councillors – a lot of work has been done to increase transparency in the way this information has been presented.”
“It’s also really helpful for applicants to receive feedback, both successful and unsuccessful, as it enables them to refine their applications for next time.”
“Thank you to everyone who applied. Your efforts help bring people together through local events, support creativity and grassroots initiatives, and protect and enhance the natural environment that makes our Shire such a special place to live.”
Community Support Fund
Council has awarded a total of $7,000 for the following activities:
• Taranta Arts Inc for The Bellingen Singers
• Urunga Community Pantry Inc for Establishing Urunga Community Pantry Inc
• Housing Matters Action Group for Homes for Health
• Dorrigo Community Nursery for Paving the Way for the Dorrigo Community Nursery Communal Space
Community Event Sponsorship Fund
A total of $11,825 has been awarded to the following events:
• Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival for BRWF Fringe Festival
• Arts Council of the Dorrigo for the Dorrigo Easter Art Exhibition 2026
• Urunga Business and Community Inc for Urunga Christmas Carols 2025
• Genevieve Collins auspiced by Bello Youth Hub for Youth Creativity Concert
• The Grub Club Foundation for Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity Shield Match
Creative Placemaking Fund Council awarded $3,000 in this category to support the following project:
• Paul Hayes for Urunga Originals
Environment Levy Community Fund
Council has allocated $10,030 to three projects:
• Bellingen St Landcare Group for the Removal of rubber trees at Bellingen St Landcare site
• Bielsdown River Walk Landcare Group for Bielsdown River Walk
• Dorrigo High School for Dorrigo High School Kitchen Garden Upgrade
For more details on the Community Grants Program and Environment Levy Community Fund see www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/Community/Grants-and-Funding
Bellingen St Landcare