Boosting participation in regional sport 

Applications are open for a second round of the Regional All Abilities Participation Grants.

Grants of up to $25,000 are available in three categories: Equipment and Travel, Inclusion Workforce, and Programs and Disability-led Initiatives.

The grants can be used to purchase specialised or modified equipment and uniforms and other adaptive technologies enabling safe and inclusive participation.

For more information and to apply visit sport.vic.gov.au/funding

Local multicultural grants

The Multicultural Festivals and Events Grant Program offers funding of up to $50,000 for local community organisations to hold cultural festivals and events. Applications for this grant round are open until October 23.

For more information and to apply visit www.vic.gov.au/multicultural-festivals-and-events-program.

Women In Local Government Award nominations open

The inaugural Mary Rogers Award celebrates women in leadership and supports efforts to advance gender equality in the local government sector.
Nominations are open for three award categories: 

•   Mary Rogers Award - Awarded to a current woman councillor for outstanding contributions as a civic leader in Victoria.
•   Emerging Woman Leader Award - Awarded to a woman councillor who is demonstrating outstanding leadership in their first term.
•   Gender Equality Council Champion Award - Awarded to a council in recognition of their work in supporting women's participation in local government.

Nominations for the Mary Rogers Awards close at 5pm, Friday October 24 and can be made at: vlga.org.au/governance-leadership/local-government/mary-rogers-awards

Investing in artists working in regional Australia

Regional Arts Australia is launching a transformative new funding initiative, Practice in Community, that offers multi-year grants of $160,000 to support independent artists living and working in regional communities across Australia.

Expressions of Interest are now open for the initial funding round, where five artists will be selected to begin their projects in 2026, followed by a second round to create a cohort of six artists commencing in 2027.

Practice in Community is proudly designed and delivered by Regional Arts Australia, with the support of Minderoo Foundation.

Learn more: regionalarts.com.au/pic