Community Grants

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Community Grants support projects that strengthen local communities and deliver social, environmental and economic benefits across the Colac Otway Shire.  Funding is available for community groups delivering projects, activities, services, equipment purchases and new initiatives.  

What can be funded? 

Projects may relate to:

  • Environment
  • Arts and culture
  • Sport and recreation
  • Health and wellbeing, including access, equity and inclusion
  • Strategic planning and training
  • Community placemaking, streetscape and open space improvements
  • Equipment purchases
  • Facility upgrades

 

Grant Amounts

Grants from $500 up to $10,000 maximum.

All grants require a dollar-for-dollar matching contribution which may be cash and/or in-kind.  

Guidelines


Click to view Guidelines - Community Grants 2026/2027(PDF, 359KB)

Why You Should Read the Grant Guidelines

1. To know if you’re eligible

Guidelines explain who can apply, what types of projects are supported, and any property or organisational requirements. This helps you avoid spending time on an application that can’t be funded.

2. To understand what funding can (and can’t) be used for

They outline eligible and ineligible expenses, funding caps, and any mandatory project components.

3. To make sure your application is strong

Guidelines detail:

  • assessment criteria
  • what evidence or documents you need
  • how applications are scored or prioritised

Knowing this lets you tailor your application effectively.

4. To be aware of compliance requirements

This includes:

  • Acquittal reporting obligations
  • Payment conditions
  • Landowner consent
  • Permits and Approvals
  • Timelines and milestones
  • Responsibilities once funded

Reading them upfront reduces surprises later.

5. To avoid delays or rejection

Missing required information, forms, approvals, or deadlines often results in applications being deemed incomplete or ineligible.

6. To understand your responsibilities

If successful, you’ll need to meet certain conditions. Understanding these early ensures you can actually deliver what the grant requires.

 

To Apply

Applications open at 9.00am on 27 February 2026.

To Apply

Applications close at 5.00pm on 10 April 2026.

Recipients 2025 / 2026

COMMUNITY GRANTS stream
Apollo Bay Ocean Rescue Inc. Safety Equipment - 2 x Defibrillators (AED) and 2 x First Aid Kits $4,613
South Sudanese Community residing in Colac Colac South Sudanese Community Cultural Activities Program $8,099
Colac Maker's Space All Fired Up - Electrical upgrade to allow for kiln installation $5,000
Creative Otways Inc Art Fun - Pilot Project - Trial Two Models of Low-Cost Art Programs $5,000
Colac Community Road Safety Council trading as RoadSafe Otway Marquees and Free Community 'Safe Plate' Days $4,952
Parkrun Australia Ltd auspice by Rotary Club of Colac Parkrun Lake Colac Start Up Event Equipment & Defibrillator $3,500
Southern Otway Landcare Network (SOLN) Reimagining the Barham - Video Documentary & Community Art Workshops $8,050
Colac & District Adult Riding Club Inc Rally & Event Equipment Trailer $8,000
Wye River Separation Creek Community Association Wye River Water Quality Monitoring Equipment Project $5,812
Colac & District Family History Group Inc Computers to Future Proof Colac Family History Collection

$5,536
Let's Talk Colac Mental Health First Aid Training $5,804
Forrest Public Reserves Committee Neighbourhood House Window Safety Upgrade $7,160
Colac Football Netball Club Behind Goal Netting at ALC Stadium Central Reserve $10,000
Gellibrand Community House Outdoor Seating for Gellibrand Hall's new community garden $8,500
Scouts Victoria - 3rd 4th Colac Scout Group New Shade Gazebos $5,500
South Colac Sports Club Upgrade of Public Seating at South Colac Netball Court $4,031
Wye River Surf Lifesaving Club Wye River SLSC Clubhouse Painting: Enhancing Infrastructure, Safety & Connection $9,786
Colac and District Cricket Association CDCA Pitch Covering Project $8,414
Colac Riding for the Disabled Riding and Carriage Coaching $3,500
Colac Yacht Club Refurbishing Hansa Boats for SailAbility Program $3,779
Colac Pony Club Cross Country Course Jumps Upgrade to Safety Standards $3,460
Red Rock District Progress Association Inc Cororooke Open Space Planting, Landscaping & History Sign Project $4,720
Colac Swimming Club Colac Annual Swim Meet Event in Colac $2,000
Irrewarra Cricket Club New Centre Wicket Pitch $4,456
Warncoort Tennis Club Warncoort Tennis Club Court Cleaning $1,085
West Warrion Cricket Club West Warrion Cricket Club Women's Team Equipment Upgrade $2,200
Western Eagles Football & Netball Club Western Eagles Around the Ground Seating $7,151
OCR FM Production Computer $733
Alvie Football Netball Club Inc Netball Court 'Warm Up' court surface $6,600
Colac Unearthed Unearthed Bites - Equipment & Floor Covering Upgrade 'office/to/class 4 food service conversion' $10,000
Friends of Colac Botanic Gardens New Website for the Friends of Colac Botanic Gardens $5,000
Colac Clay Target Shooters Update Automated Clay Throwing Traps $8,890
Birregurra Men's Shed Inc Heating Men's Shed $3,815
Colac Woodcrafters Guild New Compound Mitre Saw $700
Forrest Horse Riding Club Garmin GSP Device $550
Cake Decorators Association of Victoria Colac Branch Engage Specialist Teachers $1,152
Lions Club of Birregurra and District Purchase of Lawn Mower $7,600
Colac Mallet Sports Club Inc Upgrade Clubroom Kitchen Appliances $771
Colac Fire Brigade Restoration of Historic Shand Mason for Community Display $10,000
Birregurra Football and Netball Club New Fryers in the Clubroom Kitchen $8,541
Irrewarra-Beeac Football Netball Club Inc Netball Court Seating for Spectators $1,648
Otway Harvest Trail Develop a Business Plan for the Otway Harvest Trail $1,500
Red Rock Regional Theatre And Gallery 'The Big Lift' Tree Planting Project at RRRTAG $4,000
Warrowie Recreation Reserve Irrewarra Kitchen Equipment Upgrade $2,673
Colac Basketball Association Ventilation Screen $2,110
Colac & District Dog Obedience Club Training Volunteers in Animal Behaviour Course $5,000
Total $231,391

 

 

 

 

For further information or assistance, contact the Grants Officer on inq@colacotway.vic.gov.au or (03) 5232 9400

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