Twenty-one community organisations will share in more than $88,000 through Alpine Shire Council's Community Grants Program, helping deliver projects that strengthen community connections, improve local facilities and support community participation.
A total of $88,406.50 has been awarded in the latest round of the program, with funding supporting a diverse range of initiatives across Bright, Myrtleford, Mount Beauty, Porepunkah, Wandiligong and surrounding communities.
Projects funded this year range from accessibility improvements and environmental education to community transport, sporting equipment, cultural initiatives and projects that support social connection and community wellbeing.
This year's program attracted strong interest, with 30 applications seeking a combined $153,969 in funding, highlighting both the demand for support and the incredible commitment of local community groups.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, said the grants would help bring important local projects to life.
"The Community Grants Program is all about supporting the people and organisations that make Alpine Shire such a connected and vibrant place to live," she said.
"This year's recipients represent a wonderful mix of projects that will improve community facilities, encourage participation, celebrate local heritage, support inclusion and create opportunities for people of all ages.
"Council is proud to partner with local groups and volunteers to help deliver projects that will have lasting benefits for our communities."
Applications for the 2026/27 Community Grants Program were open between 11 May and 21 June 2026.
The following projects received funding through the 2026-27 Community Grants Program:
- Ovens Valley United Cricket Club Incorporated – "Getting a Drink" at Memorial Oval Myrtleford – $2,968.60
- Alpine Community Bus Committee – Alpine Community Bus (managed by Myrtleford Lions Club) – $5,000
- Upper Kiewa Landcare Group (auspiced by Kiewa Catchment Landcare Groups) – Spreading the Word of the Upper Kiewa Valley Arboretum – $5,775
- Ovens Valley Canine Club – Purchase of Sporting Equipment – $2,225.25
- Bright Senior Citizens Community Assets Committee / Bright & District U3A – Audio visual and public announcement equipment for Senior Citizens Centre – $6,556
- Little Stitches MTB Inc. – Little Stitches Sewing Club – $2,000
- Scouts Victoria Mount Beauty Scout Group – Kitchen instant hot water service – $1,780.50
- Porepunkah Primary School – Indigenous Food Garden and outdoor learning space – $7,000
- Mount Beauty Playgroup – Playgroup on the Move – $1,512
- Myrtleford Community Garden Inc. – Knowing and Telling: Signage and Beautification of Myrtleford Community Garden – $4,255
- Mount Beauty Senior Citizens Centre Community Access Committee – Replacement of concertina door – $5,915
- Alpine Cycling Club – Adaptive Mountain Bike Summit: Building Inclusive Recreation Capability – $3,612
- Myrtleford Town Garage Sale – Marquee to ensure a sun-safe volunteering environment – $1,109.21
- Myrtleford & District Historical Society Inc. – Replacing and upgrading alarm system – $1,533.68
- Mount Beauty and District Men's Shed – Purchase of metal plate bender – $3,651.75
- Bright Croquet Club Inc. – Automatic underground watering system – $8,980.50
- The Raclette (auspiced by Alpine Regional Creatives) – Expanding The Raclette newsletter's readership through print and digital – $1,463
- Mount Beauty and District Chamber of Commerce – Mount Beauty Co-Working Space Fit Out – $5,021.25
- Gapsted Public Hall Committee of Management Inc. – Purchase of commercial dishwasher – $4,150
- Walking Football 4 Health Victoria – Walking Football Programs in the Alpine Shire Area – $5,000
- Wandiligong Preservation Society Inc. – Replacement of picnic tables and bench seats at The Diggings, Wandiligong – $8,897.76
Council congratulates all successful applicants and thanks the many organisations that submitted applications this year.