Deadline: 31-Oct-26
The Australia Day Events Sponsorship provides funding of up to AUD $1,000 to eligible not-for-profit community organisations to organise Australia Day events within the Council area. The programme supports local celebrations that encourage community participation, strengthen community connections, and deliver activities that benefit local residents.
Eligible not-for-profit organisations must submit a new application each year. Applications are assessed individually based on their merit, and successful recipients may be required to acknowledge Council sponsorship as specified in their funding agreement.
What is the Australia Day Events Sponsorship?
The Australia Day Events Sponsorship is a Council funding programme that helps community organisations organise local events celebrating Australia Day.
The programme provides financial assistance for community-led activities that:
- Celebrate Australia Day
- Encourage local participation
- Strengthen community spirit
- Benefit residents within the Council area
The sponsorship aims to make Australia Day celebrations more accessible and inclusive through locally organised events.
Sponsorship Amount
Eligible organisations can receive:
- Up to AUD $1,000 for each approved Australia Day event
The Council determines sponsorship approval and funding amounts based on individual applications.
Purpose of the Sponsorship
The programme aims to:
- Support community-led Australia Day celebrations
- Encourage local participation
- Strengthen community engagement
- Assist not-for-profit organisations delivering community events
- Promote activities that benefit the Council area
The sponsorship encourages locally organised events that bring residents together to celebrate Australia Day.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Not-for-profit community organisations
Applicants must:
- Deliver programmes, activities, or events within the Council area
- Operate for community benefit
- Apply for sponsorship each year
Applications are assessed on their individual merit.
Definition of a Not-for-Profit Community Organisation
For this programme, an eligible organisation is one that:
- Is community-based
- Provides services or activities benefiting the local community
- Operates primarily for community benefit rather than profit
The organisation’s main purpose should not be commercial profit.
Who is Not Eligible?
The following organisations are generally not eligible:
- Organisations operating gaming machines
- Organisations with liquor selling facilities
- Political parties
- Organisations affiliated with State Government
- Organisations affiliated with Federal Government
Exception
Funding may be provided to schools for awards where applicable.
Eligible Activities
Funding supports Australia Day events that encourage community participation.
Examples may include:
- Community celebrations
- Family-friendly activities
- Local festivals
- Cultural events
- Community gatherings
- Recreational activities
- Public ceremonies
- Entertainment programmes
Projects should provide clear benefits to the Council area.
Sponsorship Acknowledgement
Successful organisations may be required to acknowledge Council support.
Acknowledgement requirements are determined by the Council on a case-by-case basis and may include recognition in promotional materials or event communications.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps:
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organisation:
- Is a not-for-profit community organisation
- Delivers activities within the Council area
- Meets all programme eligibility requirements
Step 2: Plan Your Australia Day Event
Prepare details including:
- Event objectives
- Planned activities
- Target audience
- Community benefits
- Event location and schedule
Step 3: Prepare a Budget
Include:
- Estimated event costs
- Sponsorship amount requested
- Other funding sources, if applicable
Step 4: Submit the Application
Applications must be submitted according to the Council’s funding process.
Organisations must submit a new application each year, even if they have previously received sponsorship.
Assessment Process
Applications are assessed individually.
The Council considers:
- Community benefit
- Event quality
- Alignment with programme objectives
- Applicant eligibility
- Overall merit of the proposal
Funding decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Why It Matters
Australia Day community events provide opportunities for residents to:
- Celebrate together
- Build stronger community relationships
- Encourage local participation
- Promote inclusion
- Strengthen civic pride
The sponsorship programme helps local organisations organise activities that bring communities together and create positive local experiences.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can improve their proposals by:
- Demonstrating clear community benefits
- Planning inclusive and accessible activities
- Providing a realistic event budget
- Explaining how the event encourages community participation
- Showing organisational capacity to deliver the event
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying without meeting eligibility requirements
- Submitting incomplete applications
- Providing unclear budgets
- Failing to explain community benefits
- Assuming previous funding guarantees future approval
- Forgetting to submit a new application each year
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Australia Day Events Sponsorship?
It is a Council funding programme that supports community organisations delivering Australia Day events within the Council area.
How much funding is available?
Eligible organisations can receive up to AUD $1,000 for each approved Australia Day event.
Who can apply?
Eligible not-for-profit community organisations delivering activities within the Council area can apply.
Do organisations need to apply every year?
Yes. Successful applicants must submit a new application for each funding round.
What types of organisations are not eligible?
Organisations operating gaming machines, liquor-selling facilities, political parties, and organisations affiliated with State or Federal Government are generally not eligible.
Can schools receive funding?
Yes. An exception allows funding to be provided to schools for awards.
How are applications assessed?
Applications are assessed individually based on their merit and alignment with the programme’s objectives.
Conclusion
The Australia Day Events Sponsorship helps not-for-profit community organisations deliver local Australia Day celebrations that encourage participation, strengthen community connections, and benefit residents across the Council area. With funding of up to AUD $1,000 per event, the programme supports inclusive, community-focused activities that celebrate Australia Day through local engagement.
For more information, visit South Burnett Regional Council.