Great projects set to connect community through 2026-27 grants program

Published on 07 October 2026

Three of our valley’s volunteer-run halls will gain high-profile music acts and mentoring for local support artists after Nambucca Valley Council voted to support six applicants to the Community Grants Program 2026-27 Round 1.

Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee said it was great to be able to support high-calibre applications from local and regional not-for-profit organisations (nfps) to support projects and events to be delivered in the Nambucca Valley.

“I’m really looking forward to hearing some great music and seeing some unique performances when Arts MNC and Archive MNC deliver its roaming hall concert series at Argents Hill, Valla and Talarm Halls,” he said.

“Festival of Phoenix by Phoenix Macleay Options in Bowraville will be another event not to be missed.

“I’m pleased Council is also supporting an organisation set to deliver fun events for local youth, with the Dungeons & Dragons program gaining great support from young people attending Macksville Youth Hub.

“I thank all of our community groups and nfps that applied for a grant in this round of applications, as your projects will help to achieve Theme 1 in the Nambucca Valley Community Strategic Plan 2035, building an inclusive, safe and connected community.”

2026-27 Round 1 successful community grant recipients are:

• Key Community Group, for the project Rainbow Connect Nambucca  - $5000
• Arts MNC auspicing Archive MNC, for the Roaming Hall Concert Series - $5000
• ShoreTrack, Cooking Up Skills – ShoreTrack Youth Kitchen Project - $4258
• Lions Club of Nambucca Heads, Nambucca Lions Christmas Festival 2027 - $4000
• Phoenix Macleay Options, Festival of Phoenix in Bowraville - $3923.96
• Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival, Youth Dungeons & Dragons Macksville campaign season - $2800. 

Applications were invited for the 2026-27 Community Grants Program Round 1 from approximately 6 August to 21 August.  

Council has allocated a total of $50,000 to the Community Grants Program for 2026-27 and Round 1 has seen $24,981.96 invested. 

You can learn more about these successful projects and events in the September Ordinary Meeting of Council agenda available here.

The Nambucca Valley Community Strategic Plan 2035 is available here. 

ALL MEDIA ENQUIRIES TO:

Mr David Moloney

ACTING GENERAL MANAGER

02 6568 2555

DATE: 6 October 2026