Events Grants
Events Grants
Council supports three types of Events Grants:
- Community Events
- Commercial Events
- Signature Events
Examples of Eligible Events
- Cultural, historical, artistic, culinary, sporting or environmental events
- Festivals
- Live music and performances
- Markets
- Cinema in the park
- Carnivals and community fairs
- Exhibitions
Community Events
Community events have a strong community focus and benefit local residents and businesses. They strengthen the region’s social, cultural and economic fabric, creating opportunities for people to connect, celebrate and build a more connected community.
Funding available
- Up to $5,000 for community‑focused events
- Schools: Up to 50% COPACC hire assistance for performing arts and cultural activities (max $5,000)
Requirements
- Dollar‑for‑dollar matching contribution (cash and/or in‑kind)
- In‑kind support must directly contribute to event delivery
Commercial Events
Events are delivered by a legal business entity that deliver both community and economic benefits.
Funding available
Requirements
- Dollar‑for‑dollar matching contribution (cash and/or in‑kind)
- In‑kind support must directly contribute to event delivery
- Applicants must contact the Events Team before applying
Signature Events
Large‑scale events that generate substantial community and economic benefits, attract significant out-of-region visitation, and offer strong branding and promotional opportunities for the host town and the Colac Otway Shire.
Funding available
Requirements
- Dollar‑for‑dollar matching contribution (cash and/or in‑kind)
- Applicants must contact the Events Team before applying
Contact Us
Visit: 2–6 Rae Street, Colac
Email: inq@colacotway.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 5232 9400
Guidelines
This round is now closed.
Click to view Guidelines Events Grants 2026-2027(PDF, 381KB)
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.
Recipients 2026 / 2027
| EVENTS GRANT stream |
|
|
| Colac Orchid Club |
Colac Annual Orchid Show and Sales 2026 |
$1,500 |
| Colac Area Health Foundation |
Otways Winter Festival 2026 |
$4,705 |
| Are-Able |
Colac Kids Festival |
$5,000 |
| Southern Exposure Eco Adventure Sports Co |
Run Forrest Trail Run 2027 |
$5,000 |
| Colac West Primary School |
Colac West Primary School Concert 2026 |
$2,316 |
| Birregurra Motor Enthusiasts Club Inc |
Birregurra Motor Show 2027 |
$4,000 |
| Colac City Band Inc. |
Colac City Band Carols by Candlelight 2026 |
$5,000 |
| Birregurra Community Group Inc |
Birregurra Sunday Markets |
$3,400 |
| Rapid Ascent Pty Ltd |
Otway Odyssey & Great Otway Gravel Grind 2027 |
$8,000 |
Apollo Bay WORDfest auspice by Apollo Bay Arts Inc
|
Apollo Bay WORDfest 2026 |
$5,000 |
| Rotary Club of Colac |
AKD Otway Trail Run 2027 |
$3,000 |
Walk for Respect, Say No to Domestic Violence auspice by Rotary Club of Colac West
|
Walk for Respect, Say No to Domestic Violence Awareness Parade |
$1,480 |
Colac & District Chamber of Commerce
|
Colac District Business Gala Night |
$5,000 |
| MARI Group |
Great Ocean Road Running Festival 2027 |
$5,000 |
| Beeac Progress Association |
Beeac Community Market |
$1,560 |
| Conservation Ecology Centre |
Otways Ecological Research Forum 2026 |
$5,000 |
| Otway Ocean Flow Inc |
Otway Ocean Flow Festival |
$5,000 |
| O2 Events |
Amy's Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo |
$5,000 |
| Otways Wedding & Events |
Otways Wedding & Events Showcase |
$2,000 |
| Colac Kana Festival Inc |
Colac Kana Festival Inc 2026 |
$5,000 |
| Birregurra Recreation Reserve Committee of Management |
Recreation Revival No2. |
$3,000 |
| Warrion Flower Show auspice by Warrion Hall Committee |
114th Warrion Flower Show 2026 |
$5,000 |
| Apollo Bay & Otway District Agricultural Show Society |
Apollo Bay & Otway District Agricultural Show 2027 |
$5,000 |
| Gellibrand Woodchop auspice by Western Victorian Axemen's Association |
Gellibrand Woodchop |
$2,000 |
| Homestead Australia |
Crafty Sundays at Tarndwarncoort |
$2,000 |
| Colac Motorfest Inc |
Colac Motorfest |
$4,000 |
| ACE Radio Colac |
Colac Careers and Jobs Expo |
$5,000 |
| Colac & District Show and Shine Inc |
Colac and District Show and Shine |
$4,000 |
| Warrnambool Citizens Road Race Committee |
Warrnambool Women's Cycling Classic |
$2,000 |
| Beeac to the Rock Retro Ride auspice by Colac Area Health |
Beeac to the Rock Retro Ride |
$1,000 |
| Cororooke Hall Committee |
Cororooke Brolga Festival |
$2,500 |
|
TOTAL |
$117,481 |
For further information or assistance, contact the Grants Officer on inq@colacotway.vic.gov.au or (03) 5232 9400