Round 2 of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Grants Program for 2017/2018 will open on Monday, March 5.

Designed to provide a funding boost to community driven projects, council’s grants program supports local not-for-profit groups, community groups and event managers in making a positive contribution to the community. 

“Each year council supports many new and long standing activities, collaborative projects and fantastic local events that benefit our entire community,” said director Jeffery Sharp. 

“This year we’re excited to introduce a bicentenary grant into the mix, providing opportunities for the local community to get involved in the celebration of what is a significant milestone in our region’s history. 

“We’re really encouraging community groups to be inspired by our bicentenary, and to work together to develop new projects that truly celebrate who we are, where we’ve come from, and all we have achieved as a community.”

The 2018 Council Grant categories are: 

Available for projects that celebrate the region’s bicentenary, providing a great opportunity for the local community to get involved in marking 200 years since John Oxley explored the region, which for thousands of years before was inhabited by the Birpai people, the traditional custodians of our land. 

Grants of $500 will be on offer for community groups to run small events with grants of up to $10,000 available for large projects. 

Collaborative projects between two or more community groups are encouraged and will be looked upon favourably during the assessment process. 

Dedicated to projects that will improve a public space in the community, or that encourage the inclusion of people who have limited opportunities to participate in activities due to low income, geographic or social isolation, cultural background or disability.

Provided to community groups who wish to undertake small upgrades or maintenance works to improve facilities at non-council owned community halls across the region. 

These grants focus on providing opportunities for residents to create and run special community projects or events that contribute to creating a vibrant place with the aim of celebrating and enriching the community’s lifestyle. 

Projects funded in the past have focused on a range of arts, cultural education programs and local history activities. 

Council’s Event Sponsorship Program aims to support event organisers in the marketing and promotion of locally grown major events, held between July and December this year. 

Past events that have received funding under this program include the Port Macquarie Running Festival, Blues & BBQ Festival and Slice of Haven. 

To assist with the application process, representatives from interested groups are invited to attend an information session being held in Port Macquarie, Laurieton and Wauchope. 

These sessions will allow community groups who have not applied for a grant before to understand the process, get help with their application and improve their success of receiving funding. 

The Grant Information Sessions will take place at: 

For more information on Council’s Grants Programs or to register for a workshop visit pmhc.nsw.gov.au/grants or call council on 6581 8111.