Community Grants Program Helps Bring Local Ideas To Life

Published on 20 August 2025

Edward River Council will award 11 grants through its 2025-26 Community Grants Program to support local projects ranging from a health hub for children to a sensory garden.

The Community Grants Program is designed to fund projects by community groups and not-for-profit organisations that enhance liveability in the Edward River region, meet cultural needs and aspirations, and importantly build and strengthen community prosperity.

A total of 11 applications were successful in receiving full or partial funding representing an overall contribution of $24,999 from Edward River Council. 

• Care South received funding for its Health Hub for Children
• Pretty Pine Ground Committee were awarded funding for the operation of its Fathers Day Markets
• Intereach received a grant to host a free community screening of the parenting film 'Seen', along with associated in-kind support enabling the use of the Town Hall for the event
• Deniliquin Stadium can now purchase nets for its Pickleball courts
• Deniliquin CWA Branch will run a Spring Fling Event at 2025 Caulfield Cup Race Day at Deniliquin Racecourse
• Deni MHAG received a grant and in-kind assistance with its Any Where Any Time Mental Health Community Poster Project
• The Rotary Club of Deniliquin will be able to create a Sensory Garden for the Time Capsule, which will also be supported by Council with ongoing costs associated with the upkeep and maintenance of the new garden
• Deniliquin Boat Club’s grant will be used to purchase ski safety equipment for the Ski School
• A Council grant to Deniliquin Film Society last year kick-started the group, which will now be able to grow with a full 12 month Film program in the Town Hall
• U3A Deniliquin Branch will showcase local talent in its popular Deniliquin Stars on Stage Community Concert in the Town Hall with the support of Council
• Deniliquin Pony Club received funding to assist in completing its Cross Country Course

This year, Council introduced a streamlined application process with an online form to assist applicants, helping boost submissions to 17 seeking a total of $46,910 in support, 21% up on last year.

Mayor Ashley Hall said it was inspiring to see an increasing and diverse range of applications and projects.

“All of the projects have a shared goal of making the Edward River region an even better place to live. This program is about giving community organisations the resources they need to deliver initiatives that respond directly to local priorities and create meaningful outcomes for residents.”

“It is great to see that receiving a small but meaningful grant can help local groups move their projects forward—projects that reach different parts of the community and deliver benefits that everyone can enjoy.”

Each application was reviewed and rated by a grant assessment panel and approved by Council at its meeting on Tuesday 19 August.  Council is currently informing all applicants of the outcome.