Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The Gympie Regional Council Get Local Community Grants program provides up to $1,500 to support small-scale community events that strengthen connection, wellbeing, and local participation in the Gympie region.
The program funds inclusive, low-cost or free events such as cultural celebrations, national observances, and community activations that enhance local engagement.
Programme Overview
The Get Local Community Grants program supports community-led events and activities that build stronger social connections and activate public spaces.
It focuses on encouraging inclusive participation through accessible, local events that celebrate culture, identity, and community wellbeing.
Key Objectives
Strengthening Community Connection and Wellbeing
- Improve social cohesion
- Increase participation in local activities
- Enhance overall community wellbeing
Supporting Key Community Events
Funding supports events such as:
- Christmas celebrations
- New Year events
- Australia Day activities
- Anzac Day commemorations
- Remembrance Day events
Activating Community Spaces
- Encourage use of local parks and facilities
- Support public space activation
- Promote community gathering opportunities
Supporting Arts and Local Creativity
- Engage local artists and performers
- Promote cultural expression
- Support creative community initiatives
Increasing Access to Events
- Provide free or low-cost community activities
- Improve accessibility for residents
Funding Details
- Maximum grant amount: $1,500
- Purpose: Small-scale community events and activities
- Eligible expenses include:
- Venue hire
- Entertainment and performance fees
- Catering
- Decorations
- Marketing and promotion
- Traffic management
- Waste management
- Essential equipment purchases
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Applicants
- Incorporated not-for-profit organisations
- Cooperatives
- Companies limited by guarantee
- Unincorporated groups with an auspice arrangement
Location Requirement
- Must be based in or provide direct benefit to the
Gympie region
Insurance and Compliance Requirements
- Minimum $20 million public liability insurance
- No outstanding debts to Council
- No unmet obligations from previous grants
Ineligible Applicants
The following are not eligible:
- Individuals
- Businesses
- Most educational institutions
- Medical organisations
- Political organisations
- Religious organisations using funds for core activities
- Organisations with unresolved previous grant obligations
- Certain licensed commercial operators (restricted cases)
Key Concepts Explained
What are Community Events?
Community events are public activities designed to bring people together, such as:
- Cultural celebrations
- Commemorations
- Local festivals
- Social gatherings
What is Community Activation?
Community activation refers to:
- Using public spaces for events
- Encouraging participation and engagement
- Making local areas more vibrant and accessible
What is an Auspice Arrangement?
An auspice arrangement allows:
- An unincorporated group to apply
- Through a legally incorporated organisation that manages funds
How It Works / What to Do
Step 1: Identify Your Community Event
Choose an activity such as:
- Cultural celebration
- National commemoration event
- Local festival or gathering
Step 2: Plan the Event Details
Define:
- Objectives
- Audience
- Activities and schedule
Step 3: Prepare a Budget
Include eligible costs such as:
- Venue and equipment
- Performers and entertainment
- Promotion and logistics
Step 4: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure:
- Organisation meets legal requirements
- Insurance and compliance are in place
Step 5: Submit Application
Provide:
- Event proposal
- Budget breakdown
- Community benefit explanation
Why This Programme Matters
- Strengthens local social cohesion
- Encourages inclusive community participation
- Supports cultural and national celebrations
- Activates public spaces and facilities
- Improves access to affordable community events
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting commercial or profit-making events
- Missing insurance or compliance requirements
- Weak explanation of community benefit
- Applying without eligible organisational structure
- Over-budgeting beyond $1,500 limit
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus on inclusive and accessible events
- Highlight clear community impact and participation
- Keep budgets realistic and aligned with $1,500 limit
- Show strong local engagement and partnerships
- Emphasise cultural or social significance of the event
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the maximum funding available?
Up to $1,500 per project.
2. What types of events are supported?
Community celebrations, commemorations, and local engagement activities.
3. Who can apply?
Not-for-profit organisations, cooperatives, and auspiced community groups.
4. Can individuals apply?
No, individuals are not eligible.
5. What expenses can be funded?
Venue hire, entertainment, catering, marketing, logistics, and essential equipment.
6. Is insurance required?
Yes, $20 million public liability insurance is required.
7. Can religious organisations apply?
Only if the funding is not used for core religious activities.
Conclusion
The Get Local Community Grants program by Gympie Regional Council supports small but meaningful community events that strengthen connection and wellbeing across the Gympie region.
By funding inclusive, accessible, and locally driven activities, the program helps communities celebrate important occasions, activate shared spaces, and build stronger social ties.
For more information, visit Gympie Regional Council.
