This is the date and time that this news article was published.
Twenty-eight Warrnambool events will share $196,632 through Warrnambool City Council’s 2026-2027 Festivals and Events Fund.
The grants aim to support events which contribute to the local economy and build the profile of Warrnambool as a vibrant regional city.
Warrnambool Mayor Cr Ben Blain said the successful applications represented a diverse mix of sporting, cultural, tourism and community events.
“Events play such an important role in creating a vibrant city. They attract visitors, support local businesses and give people opportunities to come together,” he said.
“It was really encouraging to receive so many applications from people and organisations working to deliver events in Warrnambool.
“Long-running events like the May Racing Carnival, the Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic and the Melbourne to Warrnambool are true destination events. Warrnambool wouldn’t be the same without them, and as a Council, we’re proud to back them.
“We’re also supporting six events six established events through the fund for the first time.
“It’s also really pleasing to see the Surf ‘T’ Surf returning to the Warrnambool events calendar. Council has been a long-term supporter of the event, and its absence in 2026 was felt by many, so congratulations to everyone involved in bringing it back for 2027.
“Collectively, the 28 events funded via these grants are expected to attract over 100,000 participants and spectators over the coming year.”
Four major events will each receive $20,000 through the fund’s Partnership Stream: the Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic, the Victorian Junior Youth / Senior Lifesaving Championships, the Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Festival, and the Warrnambool Racing Club’s May Racing Carnival and Jericho Cup.
Warrnambool RSL Sub-Branch will receive $12,000 to support Remembrance Day 2026 and ANZAC Day 2027.
Other large community events to receive funding include the Warrnambool Multicultural Festival ($10,000), Warrnambool Show ($10,000), Surf ‘T’ Surf Fun Run/Walk ($9,990), Warrnambool Running Festival ($9,186), Warrnambool Rodeo ($7,000), the F Project’s Fabric of Life Festival ($6,500) and the Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Open ($6,000).
A further 16 community, tourism and Christmas events will share almost $46,000, with individual grants ranging from $1,242 to $5,000.
To find out more about upcoming events in Warrnambool, visit whatson.warrnambool.vic.gov.au.
2026-2027 Warrnambool Festivals and Events Fund recipients:
• Warrnambool Gem Club, Gem Club Open Day, $2,000
• Warrnambool Gift Inc, Warrnambool Gift, $4,000
• Warrnambool and District Orchid Society, Warrnambool Orchid Show, $2,000
• Warrnambool Nepalese Community Inc., Nepalese Teej Celebration 2026 Warrnambool, $2,000
• Warrnambool and District Easter Arts Festival Inc., Family Fun Day, $2,000
• Warrnambool & District Community Hospice, Warrnibald Festival of Arts, $5,000
• Warrnambool Community Garden, Harfest 2027, $5,000
• City of Warrnambool Eisteddfod Inc, Warrnambool Eisteddfod Aria Competition 50th Anniversary Celebration, $5,000
• Filipino Community Council of Warrnambool Incorporated, Filipino Fiesta Warrnambool: A Multicultural Festival for the Community, $4,800
• Warrnambool Running Club Inc, Warrnambool Running Festival, $9,186
• Surf T Surf, Surf ‘T’ Surf Fun Run/Walk, $9,990
• Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Club Inc, Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Open 2027, $6,000
• The F Project, Fabric of Life Festival 2027: Good Viberations: Revive:Re-Vibe, $6,500
• Warrnambool Volleyball Association/South West Pirates, Seaside Volleyball Tournament, $4,000
• Warrnambool Agricultural Society Inc., Warrnambool Show 2026, $10,000
• Warrnambool Showgrounds Reserve Inc., Warrnambool Rodeo 2027, $7,000
• Warrnambool Multicultural Association, Warrnambool Multicultural Festival 2026, $10,000
• Australia Classic Events, Targa Classica 2027, $2,160
• Warrnambool BMX Club Inc, 2027 AusCycling BMX State Series VIC Warrnambool, $2,254
• Warrnambool Basketball Incorporated, Warrnambool Junior Seaside Classix Tournament, $1,242
• Life Saving Victoria Limited, 2027 Victorian Youth / Senior Lifesaving Championships, $20,000
• Premier Speedway Club, Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic, $20,000
• Warrnambool Racing Club, May Racing Carnival and Jericho Cup, $20,000
• Warrnambool Citizens Road Race Committee, Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Festival, $20,000
• Warrnambool RSL Sub-Branch Inc, Remembrance Day 2026 and ANZAC Day 2027, $12,000
• St John’s Presbyterian, Carols on the Green, $1,500
• Kardinia Community Services Inc., Kardinia Family Christmas Carnival, $1,500
• Dennington Community Association, Dennington Carols, $1,500