Festival and Events

• Deepen community understanding of local people, history and culture.
• Broaden knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, continuity and culture in Yarra Ranges.
• Facilitate active community involvement in shaping events at every stage of delivery.
• Strengthen wellbeing in local communities through the opportunity to connect.
• Develop a sense of place and increase the experience of belonging.

• Provide opportunities for our local creative talent.

• Raise the profile, reach and impact of Yarra Ranges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and creative professionals.

• Increase public visibility of contemporary and historical Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

• Increase visibility of the cultural, historical and artistic diversity of the region within townships.

• Activation of community and cultural venues, recreation areas, play spaces and other public spaces through creative and cultural engagement.

• Deliver a high-quality project that meets Council’s identified strategic priorities. 

Where appropriate:

• Public outcomes demonstrating creative collaborations with community, artists, heritage practitioners and/or other groups.

• Evidence of how community could engage with the project consultation.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consultation and permissions. 

• Demonstrate consideration of inclusion principles, specifically including culturally and linguistically diverse group, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members, gender diversity, and people living with disability. 

• Demonstrate capacity to deliver the project including experience, people and resources. 

• Include a clear and well documented budget.

• Project is achievable within the proposed budget.

• Ensure all workers / artists are paid at industry rates.

• Have funding and/or in-kind support from other sources, where appropriate.

• Read the 2026 Annual Grant Guide for your relevant stream.(PDF, 4MB)

• Check that you meet the eligibility requirements.

• Speak with a relevant council officer.

• Allow adequate time to obtain quotes for expenses over $750 and obtain letters of support.

• Ensure you have appropriate type and level of insurance ($10M Public Liability) for this grant application.

• Check you have acquitted all completed projects funded by Yarra Ranges Council.

• Secure an auspice well in advance (for individual/artist or a not-for-profit unincorporated community group).

• Allow two weeks if you are requiring a quote for use of council's venues and open spaces.

• Use the Grant Templates and Examples to help prepare you application.

• Allow adequate time to complete this application.

Before submitting your application, you are required to discuss your project with one of the relevant Council Officer.

You can find a contact list to speak to a Council Officer in the table within this section. Otherwise if you prefer to speak with an Officer you can call 1300 368 333 and ask for the relevant officer.