Council
31 July, 2026
Strong uptake for Ready Now Grants
CORANGAMITE Shire Council has noted the report for the Ready Now Grants program, with 48 community organisations supported during the 2025-2026 financial year.
Councillors unanimously voted at this week’s Ordinary Meeting of Council to note the report, with the grants delegated to the chief executive officer for approval.
The Ready Now Grants program provides small grants of up to $500 to volunteer community organisations for proposals which do not fit under council’s other grant programs and are open year-round.
An additional 10 applications were received but did not receive funding under the program.
Of these ineligible applications, five were for ineligible expenses, two were from ineligible applicants, one was withdrawn, one was awaiting a Memorandum of Understanding and one was on behalf of an applicant with a current grant which is awaiting acquittal.
The total funding allocation under the Ready Now Grants program was $19,958 – just $42 shy of the allocated budget of $20,000.
In July 2025, the Lake Bookaar Recreation Reserve Committee of Management received $500 towards a community meal for farming families in the district.
August 2025 saw the Skipton Golf and Bowls Club receive $500 to go towards the purchase of food equipment, while the Camperdown Toy Library secured $500 towards science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) focused toy play.
The grant also funded a number of RUOK Day events in the district, with the Corangamite Hocky Club (August, $250), Skipton Progress Association (August, $200), Skipton Community Shop (August, $200), Derrinallum Mahjong and Lismore Garden Club (September, $200) and Rotary Club of Camperdown (September, $200) all receiving grants for the occasion.
In September 2025, the Darlington Mechanics Institute and Recreation Reserve were granted $500 for a new kitchen cabinet while the Camperdown Cycling Club secured new cycle signs with a grant of $500.
The Camperdown Theatre Company secured $500 in October 2025 to go towards the Camperdown Carols by Candlelight, while the Camperdown Memorial Swimming Pool also secured $500 to replace their sound system.
Lake Bullen Merri’s South Beach Committee of Management also received funds last October, with $470 going towards new bench seating.
In January this year, South West Reconciliation was granted $180 to hire a port-a-loo for its Australia Day event at Wombeetch Park.
Additionally, the Rotary Club of Camperdown and the Lions Club of Camperdown received grants of $500 towards the purchase of binds and stickers and a community dress display, respectively.
The Camperdown Clocktower Quilters were provided with a Ready Now Grant in February, with $500 towards the purchase of materials to create community quilts.
March’s International Women’s Day event was also funded through the program, with Camperdown and District Community House applying for $500 on organiser Zoe Wilkinson’s behalf.
Funds also flowed to community groups in April, with the Camperdown Girl Guides receiving $500 towards a fridge.
The Camperdown Returned and Services League (RSL) sub-branch was also assisted, with $339 granted to purchase a barbecue to use for events.
Both the Darlington Mechanics Hall and Camperdown Little Athletics received $500 towards activities, with funding going towards sausages for a fundraiser and hiring the oval for a regional cross-country event, respectively.
In June this year, the Camperdown-Timboon Rail Trail Committee of Management was granted $379 to purchase a first aid kit and snake bite kits.
Councillor Ruth Gstrein moved the motion, saying it was great to see the summary report put before council.
“It’s great to see the variety and the diversity of the organisations that have received them, and I can’t believe we came in $42 under budget,” she said.
“This round of funding is continual, so it goes right throughout the year until we allocate $20,000.
“There will be funding there, so if there are small projects you need help with, please talk to our grants staff and they’ll help you submit an application.”
Cr Nick Cole seconded the motion, saying the small amounts of money made a massive difference to many of the small community groups who apply.
“Please keep bringing in applications for next year,” he said.