By Michael Burt
The successful applicants for the first round of Bellingen Shire Council community grant funding for 2026/27 have been announced, showcasing a diverse range of local initiatives across the Bellingen Shire.
The Bellingen Shire Council community grants program supports four categories of applications: the Community Support Fund, Community Event Sponsorship Fund, Creative Placemaking Fund, and the Environment Levy Community Grants Program.
Bellingen Shire Council Mayor, Cr. Steve Allan, said that at theJune 2026 Ordinary Council meeting, Council approved a total of $52,040.78 in grant funding to help support projects and events put on by community groups and organisations in the Shire.
“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 Mayor 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 has awarded a total of $7,468.00 for the following activities:
• Bellingen Community Arts Council for the Bellingen Shire Arts Trail Weekend 2026.
• Urunga Surf Lifesaving Club for communications upgrades for beach safety.
• Dorrigo Dramatic Club for upgrades to stage lighting.
• Dorrigo Highlanders Football Club for the purchase of new equipment to support the growth of junior sport involvement.
Community Event Sponsorship Fund
A total of $13,200 has been awarded to the following events:
• Taranta Arts Inc for the Bellingen Taranta Festival 2026.
• Camp Creative for the community event nights of celebration.
• Bellingen Theatre Troupe for production of a new performance for 2026/27 at the Bellingen Memorial Hall.
• Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival Inc for the cost of marquee hire for the festival.
• The Grub Club Education Fund for the Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity Match 2027.
Creative Placemaking Fund
Council awarded $6,408.78 in this category to support the following projects:
• The Art Space Urunga for Brush Strokes II.
• Frank Muera for an untitled sculpture project to be displayed at the Taranta Festival 2026.
• Repton Public School P&C Association for restoration and new artwork on the Cow sculpture on Mylestom Drive.
Environment Levy Community Fund
Council has allocated $24,964 to the following projects:
• Bellingen Urban Landcare Inc for Bellingen Showgrounds lowland rainforest restoration and Bellingen Golf Course riparian restoration.
• Connell Creek Landcare Group for restoration works along Connell Creek.
• Friends of Wonga Forest Landcare Group for Wonga Forest rainforest rehabilitation.
• Tuckers Rock Landcare Group for restoration works at Tuckers Rock.
• Northbank Community Garden for raised garden beds.
Mayor 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 Mayor Allan.
The second round of the Community Grants Program will open on Wednesday 2 September and close Wednesday 30 September 2026. For more details on the Community Grants Program and Environment Levy Community Fund see www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/Community/Grants-and-Funding
