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Council has delivered its largest ever round of community grants, awarding $311,991 to 47 local groups and events.
25 local clubs, organisations and groups will share in $121,147 through the Community Development Fund, while 22 events will receive a combined $190,844 from the Festivals and Events Fund.
The annual funding programs aim to support a wide range of local programs and activities, with Warrnambool Mayor Ben Blain saying the flexibility of the grants meant groups could put them to the best use possible.
“What I really like about these two funds is how broad the funding criteria is,” he said.
“They support the simple and essential, and they also give space for creativity, helping people solve problems and bring new ideas to life.
“Where else can a grant support new toys for the Toy Library, and help the model railway club run its trains using solar power?
“Or help preserve the legacy of the second-oldest one-day cycling race in the world, while also giving brand-new events the chance to start their own traditions?”
Cr Blain congratulated the recipients on their successful applications.
“On behalf of the city, thank you for the work you do to make Warrnambool what it is,” he said.
“Looking at this year’s list of recipients, it’s a real snapshot of what Warrnambool has to offer.
“It’s supporting the arts, with theatre, music and multimedia.
“There’s support for almost every sport imaginable, leading to increased participation.
“There are sustainability initiatives to protect and enhance our city’s natural beauty,” he said.
“And of course there are events, big and small, that bring neighbours together, visitors to the city and create memories that last a lifetime.”
The Community Development Fund supports not-for-profit groups based in Warrnambool, to fund projects and activities that contribute to the liveability of the city.
The Festival and Events Fund support events which contribute to the local economy and build the profile of Warrnambool as a vibrant regional city.
Community Development Fund recipients
| Applicant | Project Title | Funding Category | Total CDF Allocated |
| Warrnambool & District Historical Society Inc. | Into the 1890s: Access to more Standards online | Arts and Culture | $5,000 |
| Warrnambool Theatre Company | My Brilliant Career Production | Arts and Culture | $5,000 |
| One Day Studios | Media Mavericks: Expansion Pack | Arts and Culture | $4,852 |
| Holiday Actors Inc | Holiday Actors Summer Performance '& Juliet ' | Arts and Culture | $5,000 |
| Warrnambool City Band Inc | Marimba (keyboard percussion) purchase | Arts and Culture | $5,000 |
| Warrnambool Repair Cafe | Warrnambool Repair Cafe - equipment and training | Environment and Sustainability | $2,806 |
| Beach Patrol Australia incoporated | Enclosed Equipment Trailer for Beach Patrol 3280–3284. | Environment and Sustainability | $4,830 |
| Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare | Infill Planting Downstream Wellington Street | Environment and Sustainability | $2,000 |
| Warrnambool Toy Library | Purchase of new toys | Environment and Sustainability | $5,000 |
| North Warrnambool Eagles Football Netball Club Inc | Construction of an accessible toilet at the Bushfield Community Hall | Minor Capital Works | $10,000 |
| Nestles Rowing Club and Warrnambool Kayak Club | Change room shed upgrade. | Minor Capital Works | $10,000 |
| Russells Creek Club Inc | Multipurpose Community Space | Minor Capital Works | $10,000 |
| Community Radio Endeavour Warrnambool (Trading as 3 WayFM) | Split system in Studio 3 | Minor Capital Works | $3,942 |
| Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club | Tailored equipment for Lifesavers competing in Womens Surf Boat Rowing | Sport and Recreation | $5,000 |
| Hockey South West | Growing Hockey South West | Sport and Recreation | $5,000 |
| Warrnambool Action Squash Club | Increasing youth participation in Warrnambool Squash | Sport and Recreation | $1,500 |
| Warrnambool Swimming Club | Physiotherapy led pilates for adolescent female swimmers | Sport and Recreation | $1,200 |
| South C Dragons Inc. | New Dragon Boat to increase membership and develop competitive edge. | Sport and Recreation | $5,000 |
| Warrnambool Wolves FC | Website Development for Warrnambool Wolves FC | Sport and Recreation | $5,000 |
| South Rovers Football Netball Club | Purchase of kitchen equipment to support the sustainability of SRFNC | Sport and Recreation | $5,000 |
| Athletics South West | Track Starter Blocks | Sport and Recreation | $1,017 |
| Warrnambool City Croquet Club Inc | Using modern technology for Club efficiency | Sport and Recreation | $1,000 |
| Archers of Warrnambool | Easy Move Target Stands | Sport and Recreation | $5,000 |
| Southwest Strength Sports Inc | 2025 Australia's Strongest Man/Woman Equipment Purchase | Sport and Recreation | $5,000 |
Festivals and Events Fund recipients
| Applicant | Project Title | Total Amount Allocated |
| Warrnambool Running Club | Warrnambool Running Festival | $10,000 |
| Warrnambool Gift Inc | Warrnambool Gift | $5,000 |
| Warrnambool Moyne and District Cricket Association | WMDCA Centenary Celebrations | $5,000 |
| Warrnambool Agricultural Society Inc | Warrnambool Show | $10,000 |
| Premier Speedway Club Warrnambool | Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic | $20,000 |
| Life Saving Victoria | 2026 Victorian Junior Lifesaving Championships | $20,000 |
| Warrnambool Showgrounds Reserve Inc. COM | Warrnambool Rodeo & RSA Finals 2025 | $10,000 |
| The F Project | Fabric of Life Festival 2025: "Sustayin' Alive" | $7,595 |
| City of Warrnambool Eisteddfod | City of Warrnambool Eisteddfod 'Dance' | $5,000 |
| Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Club Inc | Warrnambool Lawn Open 2026 | $10,000 |
| Dennington Community Association | Carols by the Merri | $1,000 |
| Filipino Community of Warrnambool Incorporated | Filipino Fiesta Warrnambool: An Inclusive Cultural Celebration | $3,050 |
| Armed Vics Incorporated | National Bowling Arm Championships 2025 | $6,400 |
| Warrnambool Multicultural Association | Warrnambool Multicultural Festival | $10,000 |
| Warrnambool and District Easter Arts Festival Incorporated | Warrnambool and District Easter Arts Festival | $1,100 |
| Warrnambool Racing Club | May Racing Carnival | $20,000 |
| Warrnambool Citizens Road Race Committee | Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Festival | $20,000 |
| Extreme Life | Christmas Spectacular | $500 |
| Warrnambool and District Orchid Society | Warrnambool Orchid Show 2025 | $1,155 |
| Warrnambool BMX Club | 2026 AusCycling BMX State Series - VIC - Warrnambool | $6,034 |
| Corporate Cycling Australia Pty Ltd | Dirty Warrny | $9,010 |
| Warrnambool RSL Sub Branch Inc | Remembrance Day, ANZAC DAY | $10,000 |