Events Grants
Events Grants
Council supports three types of Events Grants:
- Community Events
- Commercial Events
- Signature Events
What is an Event?
An event is a planned public or community gathering—such as a festival, celebration, cultural activity, market, exhibition or performance—held at a defined time and place. Events typically aim to:
- Attract attendees
- Encourage community participation
- Provide social opportunities
- Activate public spaces
- Promote cultural or economic activity
- Draw visitors to the region
Events may be held in venues, outdoor areas, on roads, or in temporary structures.
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
Events must demonstrate a strong community focus, and benefit Colac Otway Shire residents and businesses. Eligible events should contribute to community cohesion, regional profile, skill development or social connection.
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 must deliver both community and economic benefits and be delivered by a legal business entity.
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
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.
To Apply
The 2026/2027 applications open at 9.00am on 27 February 2026
The To Apply button will be active when the round opens.
Recipients 2025 / 2026
| EVENTS GRANT stream |
|
|
| Colac Orchid Club |
Colac Annual Orchid Show and Sales 2025 |
$1,500 |
| Colac Area Health Foundation |
Otways Winter Festival 2025 |
$4,825 |
| Elliminyt Primary School |
Elliminyt Primary School Production 2025 |
$2,500 |
| Southern Exposure Eco Adventure Sports |
Run Forrest Trail Run 2026 |
$5,000 |
| Colac West Primary School |
Colac West Primary School Concert 2025 |
$2,316 |
| Birregurra Motor Enthusiasts Club Inc |
Birregurra Motor Show 2026 |
$5,000 |
| Colac City Band Inc. |
Colac City Band Carols by Candlelight 2025 |
$5,000 |
| Birregurra Community Group Inc |
Birregurra Community Day 2025 |
$4,357 |
| Rapid Ascent |
Otway Odyssey & Great Otway Gravel Grind 2026 |
$5,000 |
Apollo Bay WORDfest a subgroup of Apollo Bay Arts Inc
|
Apollo Bay WORDfest 2025: Real & Imagined |
$5,000 |
| Rotary Club of Colac |
AKD Otway Trail Run 2026 |
$5,000 |
Rotary Club of Colac West
|
Say No to Domestic Violence Awareness Parade |
$2,000 |
Colac Chamber of Commerce
|
Colac Otway Business Awards |
$5,000 |
| International Management Group of America |
Great Ocean Road Running Festival 2026 |
$5,000 |
| Beeac Progress Association |
Beeac Community Market 2025/26 season |
$5,000 |
| Conservation Ecology Centre |
Otways Ecological Research Forum 2025 |
$4,703 |
| Community Hub Inc |
Colac Otway Volunteer Expo 2026 |
$2,108 |
| Swim Apollo Bay |
Swim Apollo Bay 2026 |
$5,000 |
| Wye to Wongarra Landcare Group Inc |
Petticoat Creek Guided Rockpool Ramble |
$867 |
| Colac Kana Festival Inc |
Colac Kana Festival Inc 2026 |
$5,000 |
| Birregurra Recreation Reserve Committee of Management |
The next Big Gig! Rec Reserve Facilities Upgrade Fundraising event |
$5,000 |
| Colac Truck & Ute Show auspice by Colac Fire Brigade |
Colac Truck & Ute Show 2026 |
$5,000 |
| Apollo Bay & Otway District Agricultural Show Society |
Apollo Bay & Otway District Agricultural Show 2026 |
$4,043 |
|
TOTAL |
$94,219 |
For further information or assistance, contact the Grants Officer on inq@colacotway.vic.gov.au or (03) 5232 9400