The Program
Warrnambool City Council (Council) supports, partners, facilitates and delivers some 150 events annually. Council acknowledges that events not only build community, they are important drivers of tourism and are a great way to promote a destination.
Events bring together young and old and disparate subcultures, enlarge social networks, and support social cohesion, whilst growing the visitor economy and driving economic outcomes.
The Events and Promotion branch seeks to support events which contribute to the local economy and build the profile of Warrnambool as a vibrant regional city through the Festivals and Events Fund.
Program Objectives
The objectives of the program support events and festivals that align with the Warrnambool Events Strategy and Warrnambool Council Plan.
Preference will be given to applicants that:
- Generate a diverse, vibrant and inclusive annual calendar of events
- Attract overnight visitors outside of peak visitation times, particularly in winter
- Attract new revenue into the local economy, providing a boost to local businesses
- Create memorable experiences that are unique to Warrnambool’s city lifestyle and unique natural environment
- Encourage and assist events to become financially sustainable and protect valuable annual events
- Inspire and empower environmental enhancements, and social benefits to improve liveability
- Occur in off-peak and shoulder seasons
- New events that have not been funded previously
Grant Round Dates
Applications are accepted from Tuesday 14th May to Sunday 28th June 2026.
| Funding Round Open | 9:00am Thursday 14 May 2026 |
|---|---|
| Funding Round Closes | 11:59pm Sunday 28 June 2026 |
| Report submitted for endorsement to Council | Monday 3 August 2026 |
| Applicants notified of funding outcome | Tuesday 4 August 2026 |
| Projects completed between | Tuesday 4 August 2026 – Wednesday 30 June 2027 |
| Civic Reception for Successful Applicants | Wednesday 5 August 2026 |
| Project acquitted and post event report due | Within 8 weeks of event completion, or by 31 July 2027 if the project concludes within eight weeks of that date |
Guidelines
Festivals and Events Fund Grant Program Guidelines
The Festivals and Events Fund is a competitive process and funds are awarded based on merit according to the weighted criteria.
Canvassing of Councillors is prohibited. This means that you can’t contact a Councillor and ask them to put in a good word or help you get your grant approved.
Council provides funding for the term specified in the Funding Terms and Conditions.
Council reserves the right to withdraw support or ask for funds to be returned if recipients do not comply with Council policy or written agreement entered into.
The total funding available for 2026/27 is $200,000 for the four funding streams with varying criteria. The total fund available is subject to Council’s budget process.
Submitting an application
Applications for the 2026/27 funding round are now closed.
Funding Classifications
| Classification | Funding Range |
|---|---|
| Tourism Events | Up to $10,000 |
| Small to medium community events | Up to $5,000 |
| Large community events | Up to $10,000 |
| Partnership | On application |
| Community Christmas Carol Funding | Up to $1,500 |
Please note a separate Business Events and Conferences Fund of $10,000 is now available annually (until funding allocation is exhausted). This fund will open on July 1 2026. For further information please click here.
Help is available
Council Officers are available if you have any questions please call the Events and Promotions team on (03) 5559 4800 or email events@warrnambool.vic.gov.au