Australia Day Grants
The Australia Day Grants program supports community groups to hold free events/acknowledgment ceremonies to mark 26 January in a way that is respectful of all community members. These events can be hosted on any day one week before or after 26 January (between 19 January to 2 February).
Council recognises that Australia Day/26 January is not a day of celebration for all, especially for First Nations Australians. Any activities funded through this program should align to Council’s vision:
“With our unique regional identity, Macedon Ranges Shire embodies a caring, resilient approach to community through our robust local economy, protection of the natural environment and a collaborative commitment to inclusivity for all.”
Groups can apply for up to $1,000 per group/event. Each group may only receive funding once per year.
Applications for 2025 grants opened in September 2024 and closed in October 2024. Successful recipients are listed below.
To discuss your ideas or for any questions, call (03) 5422 0216 or email grants@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Guidelines and resources
Details on who can apply and the types of events that will or will not be funded is provided in the guidelines:
Hard copies can be provided on request or collected from one of Council’s offices.
Child Safe Standards
Planning
Assessment
Smarty Grants
How to apply
Before you begin, make sure you have reviewed the current Australia Day Grant Guidelines (see section above).
Apply now
If this is your first time using our grant application platform i.e. SmartyGrants, you will be prompted to register before beginning your application.
Once your application is complete, you will receive an automated email acknowledging successful submission.
All applications must be completed using the SmartyGrants platform. If you would like assistance, call us on (03) 5422 0216 or email grants@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Returning grant funds
We understand that sometimes things don't go as planned. Call us on (03) 5422 0216 or email grants@mrsc.vic.gov.au if:
- your contact details change or the key contact for the project changes
- you are unable to continue with the project.
Acquitting your grant
Once you have delivered your event, you will need to complete an Acquittal Report. This is available via the SmartyGrants platform.
The report includes:
- a summary of the benefits, challenges and learnings of the event; and
- a summary of the grant expenditure and any remaining grant funds (if applicable);
- promotional and marketing activities undertaken, including examples of the recognition of Council's financial support, photo evidence of the event and any media coverage.
Please note: If you have been auspiced for the purposes of your grant, the acquittal report will need to be signed off by the Treasurer of the Auspice and the Treasurer of the Applicant Organisation. If you have any questions regarding this, contact the Grants team.
Event registration and notification
All events need an ‘event proposal’ to be completed and submitted to Council. For more information about organising an event, and to complete your event proposal application, go to Organising an event and permits
2025 Recipients
| Organisation |
Event |
Funding |
| Kerrie Hall |
Keeping Kerrie Together Australia Day Brunch |
$700 |
| Lancefield Neighbourhood House |
Australia Day Family BBQ in the Park |
$1,000 |
| Macedon Ranges Truth and Reconciliation Group |
Survival Day Reflection |
$1,000 |
| Tylden Community Hall |
Australia Day and 85th Year Celebration |
$1,000 |
| Baynton Hall |
Purchase of food |
$490 |
| Kyneton Lions Club |
Purchase of food |
$700 |