Benalla Rural City Council has announced the successful recipients of the 2026 Major and Minor Community Grant programs, supporting a wide range of local projects across Benalla Rural City.
Funding allocations for the 2026 Community Grants Program were adopted at Council’s Finance and Planning Committee Meeting on Wednesday 10 June 2026.
The Community Grants Program is an annual initiative encouraging not‑for‑profit, community‑based organisations to seek funding for projects that help build healthy, vibrant and sustainable communities across Benalla Rural City.
Council’s 2025/26 Budget allocates $110,000 to the Annual Grants Program. Up to $95,000 of this supports the Major and Minor Community grants, with the remaining $15,000 directed to the Quick Response Grants Program.
This year’s round attracted 19 Major Grant applications and 25 Minor Grant applications, reflecting strong community interest and a diverse range of project ideas.
Benalla Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Bernie Hearn, said the program continues to support local groups to deliver projects that make a meaningful difference.
“Our community groups do so much for our town. Their ideas and hard work help make Benalla Rural City a strong and connected place we can all be proud of,” Cr Hearn said.
“Council is proud to support projects that improve local spaces, encourage people to get involved and help our community grow.”
Cr Hearn said the number of applications demonstrates the passion and dedication of local volunteers.
“From sporting clubs to arts organisations, neighbourhood groups to heritage volunteers, these projects show how much our community cares about creating opportunities for people of all ages,” Cr Hearn said.
Successful 2026 Minor Community Grant Applications
| Applicant | Project | Successful Funding |
| Benalla and District Adult Riding Club | Clubroom shade | $2,749 |
| Benalla Aviation Museum and Men’s Shed | Hangar door dust excluders | $3,000 |
| Benalla Business Network | Marketing and business branding support | $2,805 |
| Benalla District Preschool Partnership | Staff office air conditioner | $2,830 |
| Benalla Family Research Group | Canon printer | $1,790 |
| Benalla Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club | New shelving for storage | $1,832 |
| Benalla Migrants Association | Kids dancing activity and group drumming activity | $3,000 |
| Benalla Shorts | 2026 Benalla National and International Short Film Festival | $3,000 |
| Benalla Saints Sports Club | Laptop replacement | $2,050 |
| Benalla Social Knitters | Social Knitters’ activities | $1,500 |
| Benalla Swimming Club | Enhancing performance and inclusion through technology | $1,810 |
| Benalla Theatre Company | 2026 Musical – A Knight to Remember | $3,000 |
| Farmers Day Out | 2026 Farmers Day Out Event | $3,000 |
| Tatong Anglers Group | Upgrade trailer equipment | $2,510 |
| Tatong Community Centre and Recreation Reserve | Tatong sporting heritage project | $3,000 |
| U3A Benalla Inc | Cooking Solo | $1,000 |
Successful 2026 Major Community Grant Applications
| Applicant | Project | Successful Funding |
| Benalla and District Junior Football | Scoreboard | $7,000 |
| Benalla Little Athletics | Centre track line marking | $7,000 |
| Benalla Pony Club | Cross country course redevelopment – Stage 1 | $7,000 |
| Devenish Public Hall | Hall maintenance | $7,000 |
| Goorambat Public Hall | Hall maintenance | $5,500 |
| Goorambat Recreation Reserve | Ladies toilet facility | $7,000 |
| Molyullah Recreation and Public Hall Reserve | Community BBQ | $7,000 |
| Swanpool Bowling Club | Water supply | $7,000 |
| Thoona Memorial Hall | Update toilet facilities | $5,010 |
Mayor Cr Hearn congratulated all successful applicants and thanked all groups that submitted a proposal.
“These grants help bring community‑led ideas to life. I congratulate all recipients and look forward to seeing these projects delivered,” Cr Hearn said.
For more information, visit www.benalla.vic.gov.au/grants or contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 03 5760 2600.