Grants to support new and returning festivals and events

Published on 29 August 2023

The inaugural Mortlake Gift foot race is one of 24 festivals and events to receive more then $100,000 in grant funding from Moyne Shire Council’s annual Festival and Event fund.

At Tuesday’s Council meeting, Councilors approved $104,320 in funding to be distributed to event organisers right across the shire.

Mayor Cr Karen Foster said there was a fantastic mix of events being funded ranging from community celebrations through to sheepdog trials and motocross events.

“From annual favorites like the Moyneyana Festival and the Koroit Irish Festival, through to brand new events like the Mortlake Gift, it’s great to be able to support these groups with this fund,” Cr Foster said.

“Moyne is the south-west event’s capital – and the number of applications to this fund really highlights the huge amount of variety we have on offer across the year.

“We are really excited to support these events with this funding and I’m looking forward to getting to as many as possible.”

Cr Foster said she was particularly excited about the Mortlake Gift, which is bringing the Mortlake community together to support the new event and will attract athletes from across the country.

“There is a huge amount of community support behind the Mortlake Gift, the local schools, sorting and service clubs are all getting involved to make sure the inaugural event is a huge success and I’m pleased Council has been able to make this contribution,” she said.

Cr Foster said while funding requests were almost double the amount allocated to the fund, some finding was provided to all who met the program’s criteria.

“Unfortunately one event withdrew it’s application after the assessment, which means $5000 will be held over in contingency to support other new events that might come on the radar over the next year,” she said.

“The Festival and Events Fund, along with our Community Assistance Fund and Business Façade Improvement Fund are cornerstones in supporting our communities tight across the shire.”

2023/24 Festival and Event Fund allocations: