Festive community grants applications open now

Fraser Coast community groups and organisations can now apply for Council grants to help plan and host a Christmas or New Year’s Eve event, or decorate the main streets of small towns.

Cr Paul Truscott said Council’s Festive Fraser Coast Events and Small Township Festive Decorations grant programs opened this week with applications due in by 25 September 2023.

“Council’s vision is to build better communities together and one way of doing that is by creating connected communities through our places, space and people,” he said.

“Our grants schemes offer a range of opportunities for groups to apply for funding for projects, activities and events that build community capacity and meet identified community needs.

“Grants of between $500 and $2000 per application are available for community groups to plan and host a Christmas or New Year’s Eve community event between 20 November 2023 and 1 January 2024.

“Examples of previous recipients include the Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum for Carols on the Village Green, the Glenwood Community Centre for a Community Christmas Function and the Burrum District Community Centre Association for the Howard Community Christmas event.

Cr Truscott said grants of between $500 and $2000 were also available for festive decorations in small towns on the Fraser Coast.

“Grants are available for community groups and organisations to purchase and install festive decorations such as lighting, Christmas trees, feature decorations, signage and banners in outdoor locations,” he said.

“Eligible organisations must be based within the Fraser Coast local government area in a town with a population centre of less than 10,000 people.

“That means the program is open to community groups in towns such as Bauple, Boonooroo, Brooweena, Burrum Heads, Glenwood, Gundiah, Howard, Maaroom, Poona, River Heads, Tiaro, Toogoom and Torbanlea.

“The Christmas – New Year period is a wonderful time of year, and Council encourages local community groups and organisations to apply for funding to assist with projects and events to celebrate the festive season.

“Council’s Grants team is available to provide general advice to assist local groups develop and submit applications.”

More information, including program guidelines and examples of eligible projects and activities under the grant programs, are available on Council’s website at www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/grants