Published on Friday, 12 December 2025 at 8:53:52 AM
Nine local community groups, sporting clubs and not-for-profit organisations will receive financial assistance under the revised Community Grants Program (CGP).
The CGP has four categories:
- CEO Donation (up to $1,000) – open year-round
- Quick Response Grant (less than $3,000) – open year-round
- Community Grant (more than $3,000) – round 1 open August-September, round 2 open February-March,
- Industry Support (Triennium Community Grants) – round 1 open August-September, round 2 open February-March.
Shire President Len Handasyde said the CGP was revised in May to simplify the application process, and congratulated the successful applicants.
“The Council approved the three applications under Round 1 of Category 3 at the October Council meeting,” Cr Handasyde said.
“The Kendenup Community and Men’s Shed Inc will receive $7,200 towards engaging an architect and grant writer to progress their plan to build a new, purpose-built facility,” Cr Handasyde said.
“The Porongurup Community Association will receive $10,000 to deliver a new music festival, and the Mount Barker Bulls Football Club will receive $5000 to support disadvantaged teens to play footy.”
“These projects meet the program’s aim to support projects which improve community capacity, promote social participation and inclusion, and embrace community harmony.”
The Council approved six applications under Round 1 of Category 4 at the November Council meeting.
Cr Handasyde said Industry Support (Triennium Community Grants) could be used to fund operational costs and may be granted over a three-year period to provide incorporated, not-for-profit organisations and charities some financial certainty.
He said while all applications were considered worthy, the Council approved the following:
- Plantagenet Sporting Club will receive $39,000 over three years for operating costs,
- Mitchell House Art Centre Inc. will receive $15,606 over three years to assess compliant access, printing and workshop material costs and 2027 Plantagenet Art Prize Sponsorship,
- Mount Barker YouthCARE Council will receive $25,500 over three years for chaplain services through Mount Barker Community College and Kendenup Primary School,
- Mount Barker Wildflower Photo Competition Committee will receive $7570 over two years for Wildflower Photo Competition expenses,
- Mount Barker Tourism will receive $46,800 this year for operating costs,
- Plantagenet Historical Society will receive $83,940 over three years for operating costs.
“The Council allocated $155,000 to the Community Grants Program in the 2025-2026 Annual Budget to support the vital work of local community groups, sporting clubs and not-for-profit organisations,” Cr Handasyde said.
“CEO Donation and Quick Response Grants are open year-round, and Community Grant and Industry Support applications will open in February.”
Full details, including guidelines and how to apply, are available at Community Grants » Shire of Plantagenet
Pictured: Mount Barker Bulls Football Club Executive Officer Maddie Patterson and Shire President Len Handasyde.
Back to All News