Alpine Shire Council will support 40 events across the municipality through its 2026-27 Events Funding Program, with $154,000 allocated to help deliver a diverse calendar of community, cultural, sporting and tourism events.
The program received 52 applications requesting more than $285,000 in funding. Following assessment, 40 events were recommended for funding, with priority given to events that deliver strong community, visitor and economic benefits across the shire.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, said the funding demonstrates Council's commitment to supporting events that strengthen communities and showcase the region.
"Our events are at the heart of community life in Alpine Shire - they bring people together, celebrate the character of our towns, and attract visitors who support local businesses," she said.
"This year's recipients reflect the incredible diversity of events held across the shire, from iconic festivals and agricultural shows to sporting, cultural and community events that create opportunities for people of all ages to participate and connect.
"Council is proud to support the passionate volunteers, community groups and organisers whose dedication helps make Alpine Shire one of Victoria's premier event destinations."
Several iconic Alpine Shire community events were recommended for Tier 1 funding of $10,000, including the Bright Autumn Festival, La Fiera Italian Festival, Myrtleford Show, Tour of Bright and Wandiligong Nut Festival.
Council also welcomed several new events to the funding program, including Adventure Week, Backyard Tours presented by Life in the Peloton, Bright Adaptive Mountain Bike Festival, Fairies Party in the Park, Freeburgh Folk Festival and Razorback Run.
The following events received funding through the 2026-27 Events Funding Program:
- Adventure Week – $5,000
- Alpe de Buffalo – $2,000
- Backyard Tours presented by LITP – $2,000
- Bright Adaptive Mountain Bike Festival – $2,000
- Bright Alpine Climb 4 Peaks – $5,000
- Bright Autumn Festival – $10,000
- Bright Cabaret & Comedy Festival – $2,000
- Bright Fun Run Trail Fest – $5,000
- Bright Gravity Enduro – $2,000
- Bright Make it Bake it Grow it Market – $2,000
- Bright Open – $2,000
- Bright Rotary Markets – $3,000
- Bright Twilight Tastings – $2,000
- Bright Winter Festival – $5,000
- Buffalo Stampede – $3,500
- Dinner Plain Sled Dog Sprint – $2,500
- Fairies Party in the Park – $4,000
- Freeburgh Folk Festival – $5,000
- Great Alpine Classic – $2,000
- Harrietville Bush Markets – $2,000
- Harrietville Half – $4,000
- It's A Long Way to the Top – $3,000
- La Fiera Italian Festival – $10,000
- Mental Wellbeing Week – $3,000
- Mount Beauty Market – $3,000
- Mount Beauty Running Festival – $2,000
- Mount Beauty Writers Festival – $3,000
- Mountaingrass Festival – $2,000
- Myrtleford Bush Market – $2,000
- Myrtleford Lawn Tennis Club Annual Easter Tournament – $1,000
- Myrtleford Lions Golden Spurs Rodeo – $5,000
- Myrtleford Show – $10,000
- Myrtleford Summer Series – $5,000
- Myrtleford Twilight Carols – $2,000
- Razorback Run – $2,000
- Resilient Community Picnic – $2,000
- Ride Her Way – $2,000
- Tour of Bright – $10,000
- Wandi Cross – $5,000
- Wandiligong Nut Festival – $10,000
For more information about the Events Funding Program, visit Event Funding Program