Mayor Brian Klowss said the program demonstrated council’s commitment to empowering local groups and fostering a strong, connected community.
“Community events are the heartbeat of our municipality,” he said.
“They bring people together, celebrate what makes our region special and create opportunities for locals and visitors alike to connect and participate.
“We are proud to support 26 events this year, with more than $86,000 in funding that not only supports local volunteers and organisations, but also provides a valuable boost to our local economy.”
Applications were independently assessed against the council’s community grants policy, with funding allocated following a rigorous evaluation process.
Cr Klowss acknowledged the important role of community groups in delivering events.
“Our not-for-profit sector plays a vital role in creating inclusive, welcoming and engaging experiences for residents and visitors,” he said.
“These grants help turn great ideas into reality and ensure our events calendar continues to grow and thrive.”
Council’s community events grants program is one of four funding streams designed to support local initiatives, alongside community development grants, youth grants and urgent need grants.
Applications for the program opened in March 2026, with information sessions and promotional activities supporting applicants throughout the process.
Successful applicants have been notified so they can begin planning for their 2026-27 events.
The grant recipients, event and grant total were:
Barengi Gadjin Land Council: Banya Wile Cultural Gathering 2026, $10,000.
Horsham Arts Council Inc: HAC musical productions, $9000.
Horsham Cricket Association: Junior Cricket Country Week, $1000.
Wimmera District Veteran Golfers Association: Victorian Veterans Golf Association State Championships, $4500.
Kannamaroo Festival Inc: Kannamaroo Festival, $5500.
Horsham Agricultural Society: Horsham Show, $5450.
Mother’s Day Classic: Horsham event, $900.
Volleyball Horsham: Victorian Junior Country Championships, $1300.
Horsham Patchwork Quilters: A Trip Down Memory Lane, $2000.
Horsham Spring Garden Festival: Horsham festival, $5000.
Wimmera Pride Project: Wimmera Pride Project Pride Night 2027, $3000.
Old Skool Hotrod and Custom Club: Hot Summer Nights Rod Run, $3500.
Smart Artz Theatre Company: Bodies in Motion, $2050.
Wimmera Filipino-Australian Club: The Spirit of Christmas: Filipino and Australian Festivity, $4000.
Wimmera Committee Against Family Violence: Shine the Light event 2027, $1500.
Horsham Calisthenics College: Horsham Calisthenics Competition, $1200.
Wimmera Music Eisteddfod: 2026 eisteddfod, $5000.
Horsham Neighbourhood House: Celebration events, $1500.
Toolondo Golf Club: annual tournament, $850.
Horsham Flying Club: Horsham Coaching and Gliding Week, $1000.
Horsham Rockers Inc: Rockin at the Races, $2500.
Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids: Check Engine Light Night, $6000.
Wimmera Rockers Danceworld: Rock and Roll Festival/Dance, $2500.
Horsham Table Tennis Association: Come and enjoy table tennis, $600.
Rotary Club of Horsham East: Science and Engineering Challenge, $5000.
Horsham and District Orchid Society: annual Spring Show, $1200.
The entire July 8, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
