News

Community groups thrive with support

By Daniel Harvey

Apr 25, 2026

Echuca and District Netball Association has received support for its annual tournament. Photo by Matthew Kappos

Community groups across Campaspe Shire will benefit from a new round of funding, with council announcing successful applicants in Round One of its 2026 Community Grants Program.

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The grants support a wide range of local initiatives, from events and equipment to inclusive programs aimed at strengthening participation and community connection.

Inclusive communities grants

• Echuca Moama Australian Plants Society: $400 to support venue hire for the annual native flower showcase.

• Rochester Senior Citizens Inc: $1998 for catering at a high tea/Easter bonnet parade.

• We Are Vivid: $4000 for accessible music equipment and uniforms for the adaptive expression experience performing arts program.

Community events and tourism grants

• Rich River Calisthenics Club: $2719.52 for trophies for its 45th calisthenics competition.

• Echuca and District Netball Association: $3000 towards items for its annual tournament.

• Moora Working Draught Horses Inc: $2500 plus $454 in-kind support for the Moora Working Draught Horse Muster.

• Rochester Go Kart Club: $5000 for the Golden Power Series.

• Rushworth Community House: $725.90 for the Rushworth Community Services Expo.

• Rushworth Easter Heritage Festival Inc: $5000 plus $6222.60 in-kind support for the festival.

• The Foundry Arts Prize Committee: $2450 for venue hire, catering, hire and printing costs of the Foundry 2026 arts prize.

Community equipment grants

• Rochester Basketball Association: $2000 for basketballs for Bouncing Forward Together.

• Crossenvale Community House: $1016.30 for equipment to upgrade its community garden.

• Moama Echuca Border Raiders Soccer Association: $2000 for new goals and nets.

• Echuca Bellas Inc: $1682.97 for portable sound equipment for community performances.

• We Are Vivid: $2000 for disability-accessible chairs and tables.

• Girgarre Football Netball Club Inc: $1549 for junior netball equipment.

• Campaspe Cohuna Local Learning and Employment Network: $347.95 for equipment to promote its programs.

• Rochester Netball Association Inc: $2000 for portable spectator seating.

• Rushworth Football Netball Club Inc: $2000 for netballs.

• Kyabram Cricket Club: $2000 for cricket covers.

• Echuca Football Netball Club: $1719.97 for netball equipment.

• Echuca Moama Theatre Company: $2000 for lighting fixtures in the new black box theatre.

Mayor Daniel Mackrell encouraged community groups to plan ahead for future rounds.

“With four rounds of grants available each year, community groups are better able to plan ahead and align their projects with funding opportunities,” he said.

Round Two opens from May 1 to May 22 via SmartyGrants, with funding available across multiple categories.

More information is available on council’s website.