General News
16 August, 2025
It’s back and “IT’S GREAT”!
Gilgandra Shire Council is excited to announce the return of “It’s GREAT” microgrants program, a local events grant funding initiative for the 2025/26 year.
In line with the Community Strategic Plan and Gilgandra Activation Blueprint, Gilgandra Shire Council in collaboration with the Economic Development Committee (EDC) has committed a total of $50,000 to local businesses, community groups and clubs to assist in the development and expansion of events within the region.
This program is also supported with additional funding from the microgrants component of the NSW Government Open Streets Program, Streets of Colour at Goin’ to Gil, which aims to activate local streets and public spaces, encourage social connection, and create vibrant, safe and inclusive places across the Goin’ to Gil Weekend.
Councillor Nick White and chair of the EDC says they’re eager to see applications for events across the Goin’ to Gil Weekend.
“It’s wonderful to announce the return of ‘It’s GREAT Program’ following the success of its launch early last year. 2024 was the first time we ran this program, and we were thrilled to see the uptake from community groups and businesses, supporting eight new and existing events in the Gilgandra Region”
“We’re fast-tracking round one of applications ahead of the Goin’ to Gil and Under the Gums Weekend. If you have an event or activity that you would like to capitalise on across this weekend, I encourage you to get in touch with council and submit your application.”
The It’s GREAT Program has the following objectives:
• Support events that align with our Community Strategic Plan and the Gilgandra Region’s activation and revitalisation projects, including the Gilgandra Activation Blueprint.
• Encourage activation of public spaces and streets to increase foot traffic and vibrancy.
• Support safe, inclusive, and family-friendly events that enhance local community connection.
• Encourage active transport and temporary transformation of public spaces.
• Foster a vibrant events culture and infrastructure that maximises tourism, economic growth, and community vitality in the Gilgandra Region.
• Recognise the contribution events make to the social and cultural development of residents and visitors to the Gilgandra Region.
• Promote the Gilgandra Region as an attractive place to Live, Enjoy, Grow!
Applications will be considered through a competitive, open rolling grant model with quarterly assessment rounds.
Funding is drawn from a limited pool and will remain available until the total allocation has been fully exhausted. Round one applications are now open and will close early next month. Activation and communications manager, Merscia McLean says interested applicants should review the guidelines and supporting documents on council’s website and contact the team to discuss your event.
“We look forward to working with local businesses, community groups and clubs on this Grow Gilgandra opportunity, and seeing some of these GREAT events come to life” says Mrs McLean.
See advertisement on front page
