South Gippsland groups share $122,959 in council grants
Seven groups took the maximum $10,000 on offer at the presentation night, with round one of the 2026/27 program now open until the end of August
TWENTY community groups have shared in $122,959 from the latest round of South Gippsland Shire Council community grants.
The recipients were announced at a presentation night in Leongatha on Wednesday.
Seven groups took the maximum $10,000 on offer.
Poowong Community Consultative Committee will use its grant on a project titled The Reincarnation of the Poowong Pioneer Pack Horse, while Tarwin Landcare Group takes its money into deer control and consumption under a program called Pest to Plate.
Leongatha Golf Club and Meeniyan Golf Club each received $10,000, the first for strategic plan development and the second for an irrigation consulting project.
Korumburra Women’s Shed and Gallery will put its $10,000 towards making community space, the Lions Club of Leongatha will buy a new catering trailer to improve safety and equipment, and Nerrena Hall Committee of Management will refurbish the Nerrena public hall.
Leongatha Gymnastics Club came away with $7,500 for a permanent home, and Pearl Park Music Festival 2027 and Manna Gum Community House each received $6,000, the latter for its Little Kin Music early years family music and movement program.
Poowong Recreation Committee received $5,445 for a new master plan and Fish Creek Memorial Hall Association $5,000 for energy-efficient window and floor treatment.
The Lions Club of Strzelecki secured $4,000 for a replacement mower, the Jumping Horse Club $3,795 for timing gear, and the South Gippsland Dance Eisteddfod $3,000.
South Coast Board Riders Club received $2,818 for its Boards for Kids project, Lyrebird Arts Council $2,642 for a production audio equipment upgrade, and Mirboo Country Development $2,500 for improvements to the Baromi Centre.
Loch Community Development Association received $2,364 for the Loch Village Community Resilience Hub and Jeetho Hall $1,895 for outdoor seating.
Council awards community grants twice a year to community, volunteer and not-for-profit organisations, with the money going towards equipment, events, facility upgrades and program delivery.
South Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Nathan Hersey said the grants backed the volunteers who hold the region together.
“Our Council proudly invests in projects that make South Gippsland a stronger, more inclusive place to live, work and enjoy and these grants help to empower and support our local volunteers who give so much to our community,” Cr Hersey said.
“The return on investment for South Gippsland through the community grants programme is significant and is enhanced through the effort and commitment by the many local community groups who use the funding to deliver projects for the benefit of others.”
“A huge congratulations to the successful recipients of this round of Community Grants.”
Applications for the first round of the 2026/27 program are open now and close on Monday August 31.
“If you are a community, volunteer or not-for-profit organisation who would like to apply for a Community Grant, now is the time,” Cr Hersey said.
“With round one taking applications until 31 August, I encourage you to apply or have a chat with Council’s Grants team who can assist.”
Details are at www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au/grants.
More from the night below:
