A Total Fire Ban and Harvest Vehicle Movement Ban have been declared for Thursday, 25 December in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River. More information here.

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River will enter a Prohibited Burning Period from 12.01am Tuesday 23 December 2025.
 
Campfires, firepits and the burning of garden refuse piles are NOT allowed at any time or in any location.

Permits to Burn are cancelled.

Community Development and Events Grants and Easy Grants

On this page

The Community Development and Events Grants program supports local projects and events that address community needs and create positive outcomes for the Augusta Margaret River community. The program aims to foster resilience, connection, and wellbeing through initiatives that make a meaningful difference.

Program objectives

The program supports initiatives that deliver on one or more of these objectives:

  • Encourage celebration, creativity and connection through workshops, activations and/or events. 
  • Build the organisational capacity of community groups to enhance their positive impact in the community. 
  • Provide innovative programs that respond to local needs/issues.

Funding categories

The program offers two categories of support: 

  • Category 1 - Community Development and Events Grants: Funding between $3,000 and $10,000 (GST exclusive) per grant, with an annual allocation of approximately $150,000 (GST exclusive).
  • Category 2 - Easy Grants: Funding up to $3,000 (GST exclusive) per grant, with an annual allocation of approximately $30,000 (GST exclusive).

A detailed breakdown of each category is provided below.

Edible Gardens Festival

Community Development and Events Grants (Category 1)

Category 1 funding for the 2025–2026 financial year has now been fully allocated. Applications for funding in 2026–2027 will open in March 2026.

This category supports larger programs and events that celebrate, connect and build creativity in our community, strengthen the capacity of local groups and deliver innovative solutions to local needs.

  • You can apply for grants up to $10,000 (GST exclusive). The total annual allocation for this category is $150,000 (GST exclusive).
  • Multi-year funding (up to 3 years) may be considered.
  • The program usually runs two rounds per year, in March and September, subject to available funds after the first round (dates are subject to change—see key dates below).




Community BBQ

Easy Grants (Category 2)

Category 2 funding for the 2025–2026 financial year has now been fully allocated. Applications for funding in 2026–2027 will open in March 2026.

Easy Grants support small-scale community projects, programs, events, or activities that benefit the wider community. They’re designed to help groups kickstart new initiatives with a simple, accessible application and acquittal process.

  • You can apply for grants up to $3,000 (GST exclusive). The total annual allocation for this category is approximately $30,000 (GST exclusive).
  • Funding available for 1 year.
  • Applications are accepted until all funds are allocated (availability is subject to change - see key dates below).
  • Applications must be submitted at least 6 weeks before your project or event start date (the 6-week period begins once we receive a complete and eligible application).



Thinking of applying?

If you’re planning to apply, think about how your project and application will demonstrate strong community benefit and align with the program priorities. The program documents explain what’s supported and how applications are assessed, so reviewing them early can help you prepare a strong application.

Key dates for 2026-27 grants

All funded projects must be delivered between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027. Applicants can apply in either round, regardless of project timing. Please note that funding availability in Round 2 depends on allocations made in Round 1, so applying early may increase your chances of success.

Round 1:

Applications open: mid-March 2026
Applications close: late April 2026
Applicant notifications: early June 2026
Grant payments: from August 2026

Round 2 (subject to available funds):

Applications open: mid-September 2026
Applications close: late October 2026
Applicant notifications: early December 2026
Grant payments: from December 2026

Please note: dates are subject to change.

Resources to help you prepare

Download the program guidelines below to understand funding priorities, eligibility, exclusions, the assessment process and funding conditions.

You can also access the application forms, budget templates, and acquittal forms to help you plan your application and understand reporting requirements.

The WA Community Impact Hub Planner Tool is a fantastic resource to help you design a well-structured project, define your goals, and measure the impact you want to achieve.

Guidelines

Application Forms

Acquittal

Accessibility and support

Hard copy versions of all documents will be available on request. If you have accessibility needs or require assistance when it’s time to submit your application, please contact us and we'll do our best to support you.

Planning your application

We encourage applicants to discuss their project ideas and applications with us before submitting. This helps ensure your proposal aligns with the funding priorities and eligibility requirements, and gives you the best chance of success.

You’re welcome to contact us at any stage - even before applications open - to talk through your project or get advice on preparing an application. If possible, please get in touch at least two weeks before the closing date to allow time for feedback.

Contact:

Melissa Carmichael
Community Development Officer
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 08 9780 5627

Or, you can contact the Community Development team via [email protected].

How to submit your documents

We offer a range of submission options to make the process as easy as possible. 

Chief Executive Officer
Shire of Augusta Margaret River
PO Box 61
Margaret River WA 6285

  • Hand delivery:

    Margaret River Shire Offices – Reception
    41 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River
    9.00am – 4.00pm

    Augusta Shire Offices – Reception
    66 Allnutt Terrace, Augusta
    9.00am – noon, 1.00pm – 4.00pm

Community initiatives funded

Category 1: Community Development and Events Grants

  • Margaret River & Districts Agricultural Society - Agricultural Show: $10,000 + CPI (Year 2 of 3 year agreement)
  • Edible Gardens Festival (auspice – Margaret River Regional Environment Centre): $10,000 + CPI (Year 2 of 3 year agreement)
  • Undalup Association - Bunuru Festival: $10,000 + CPI (Year 2 of 3 year agreement)
  • Nature Conservation Margaret River Region – Enviro Sundowner Series: $9,980 + CPI (Year 2 of 3 year agreement)
  • Margaret River Wine Association – Vintage Welcome to Country: $7,700 (Year 1 of 3 year agreement)
  • Just Home – Connections Week: $10,000
  • Flowstate – Youth Mental Wellbeing Surf & Ocean Program:  $4,840
  • Augusta Community Resource Centre – Augusta Whalesong Festival: $10,000
  • Rugby WA (auspice – Margaret River Gropers Rugby Club): South West Summer 7s: $5,173
  • Artzability Incorporated – Voice of Resilience: $10,000
  • Functional Solutions OT Services – Otago Falls Prevention Program: $10,000
  • Gracetown Kite Festival: $7,000
  • No Signal: $4,105
  • Surfside Church - Margaret River Christmas Carols: $10,000
  • Nala Booja Eco Clan - Kwobba Koornt 2026: $10,000
  • Family Flow - Online Safety & Healthy Screen Use: $3,000
  • Margaret River Theatre Group - 2026 Pantomime: $4,000
  • Movement Solutions - Silent Disco Community Movement Series: $8,580
  • Augusta Community Development Assoc. - 25/26 Community Events: $4,000

Category 2: Easy Grants

  • United Nations Youth WA – UN Youth Evatt Trophy Competition: $750
  • Witchcliffe Vintage Fair (auspice River Angels): $2,550
  • Margaret River Concert Band – Night of Music: $3,000
  • Natural Wings (auspice Arts Margaret River) - Under the Stars: $3,000
  • Arts Margaret River - Sundowners: $3,000
  • Augusta Art Club - Annual Exhibition: $2,500
  • Swimming Mermaids - 2026 Margaret River Ocean Swim: $2,770
  • Shake Down Studio - Beatlab Weekend: $3,000
  • Jodie Passmore (auspice Witchcliffe Progress Assoc.) - Witchy Experts Club: $1,500
  • Margaret River Off Road Cycling Assoc. - Enduro Jam 2026: $3,000
  • Cowaramup BMX Club - Matthew Blake Coaching: $1,540
  • RSL WA Margaret River Subbranch - 2026 ANZAC Day Service: $1,950
  • Parkwater Community Group - Community Event Banners & Equipment: $1,278
All amounts are exclusive of GST.

Category 1: Community Development and Events Grants

  • Witchcliffe Farmers Market $3,642
  • Margaret River and Districts Agricultural Society Inc Margaret River Ag Show $10,000 3 year agreement
  • Surfside Church Carols in the Park $8,000
  • Margot Edwards (auspiced by Arts Margaret River) for the Tipping Point Project $9,000
  • Maureen Munro (auspiced by Arts Margaret River) for the Stories Quilts Tell project $5,500
  • Edible Gardens Festival (auspiced by the Margaret River Regional Environment Centre) $10,000 3 year agreement
  • Windsurfing WA Margaret River Windsurfing Classic 2025 $7,350
  • Weaving Stories of Boodja (auspiced by the Nala Boodja Eco Clan Aboriginal Corporation) for the Wooditjup Bilya Story $10,000
  • Nature Conservation Margaret River Region Enviro Sundowner Series $6,285 
  • Margaret River Wine Association Vintage 2025 Welcome to Country event $5,500
  • Cowaramup Bay Boardriders Foamy Fun Day $3,300
  • Undalup Association 2025 Bunuru event $10,000 3 year agreement 
  • Swimming Mermaids Margaret River Ocean Swim $4,962 
  • Flowstate Margaret River 5 Week Youth Mental Wellbeing Surf and Ocean Program $4,190

Category 2: Easy Grants

  • Augusta Art Club Annual Art Exhibition $2,500
  • Functional Solution OT Services and Julie Ruzich Physiotherapy Otago Falls Prevention Program $3,000
  • Margaret River Community Garden Open Day $2,255
  • Tony Lane (auspiced by Arts Margaret River) Sum of the Parts performance $3,000
  • MRORCA Enduro Jam 2025 $3,000
  • River Angels Inc First Aid Training $1,300
  • 2 Oceans FM Merchandise $500
  • Arts Margaret River Sundowners $3,000
  • Augusta Tennis and Croquet Club Membership project $3,000

Category 1: Community Development and Events Grants (round one)

  • Augusta River Festival Inc $10,000
  • Flowstate Incorporated Youth Mental Health Wellbeing Surf & Ocean Mentoring Program $5,000
  • Maureen Munro (Auspice Margaret River Regional Environment Centre) for the Insidious Creation and Installation $10,000
  • Sky River (Auspice Arts Margaret River) for the Marri Tree Girl Shadow Puppet Series $8,500
  • Weaving Stories of Boodja (Auspice Woven) $10,000
  • Margaret River and Districts Agricultural Society Margaret River Agricultural Show $10,000
  • Surfside Church Community Christmas Carols in the Park $8,000
  • The Concrete Club $6,000 for a 10 week Youth Program.

Category 2: Easy Grants

  • Baptistcare $2,756
  • Augusta P&C Maggie Dent Talk and Community Dinner $2,800
  • MRORCA Enduro Jam 2024 $3,000
  • South West Junior Wind Surf School $1,500
  • Elaine Clocherty (Auspice Creative Corner) $2,700
  • Lions Club of Cowaramup $1,400, Martine Perret (Auspice The Farm) $3,000
  • Cowaramup Bay Boardriders $2,320
  • Margaret River Men's Shed $1000
  • Rosa Brook Community Association $,2500
  • Augusta Art Club $1,500.


All amounts include GST.  

Category 1: Community Development and Events Grants

  • Edible Gardens Festival (auspice Margaret River Environment Centre) $12,194
  • Weaving Stories of Boodja (auspice Woven Cowaramup) $10,995
  • Artzability presents a play $14,747
  • Margaret River Agricultural Show $15,000
  • Nature Conservation Margaret River sustainable garden workshops and environment sundowners $8,800
  • Margaret River Recreational Surfers Ocean Safety Training $8,298
  • Augusta Golf Club Western Australian Sand Greens Championship $12,305
  • Youth Mental Health Wellness Surf Program (auspice Ocean Mind) $10,432
  • Surfside Church Christmas Carols in the Park $7,000
  • Annette Carmichael Projects Distributed 15 community engagement for the Stars Descend performance (auspice Arts Margaret River) $11,385.

Category 2: Easy Grants

  • Margaret River Concert Band's Spring Concert (open rehearsals / workshops) $2,000
  • Augusta Community Resource Centre's Save Our Country Kids (SOCKs) BBQ $2,000
  • Radio Margaret River The Local Summer Sounds of Radio Margaret River $2,000
  • Witchcliffe Vintage Fair (auspice River Angels) $2,000, Scott River Charity Ball (auspice Leeuwin Lions)
  • Cowaramup CWA event equipment $875
  • Augusta Art Club Annual Art Exhibition $1,000
  • Margaret River Boardriders Margaret River Classic $1,727
  • Carols at Colourpatch $2,000
  • Augusta Community Development Association Augusta Volunteer BBQ $1,000
  • Arts Margaret River Cowaramup Sundowners $2,000, Cowaramup Business Association Cowaramup Easter Fair $1,500.

All amounts include GST. 

Looking for other grants?

Finding the right grant can be time-consuming, so we’ve partnered with Australia’s leading grant search engine to make it easier.

Grant Finder is a free online tool that helps you search for business and community grants in one place. It simplifies the process by providing a single, easy-to-use platform for exploring current opportunities.

Find out more here. 

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Contact Details

Margaret River

41 Wallcliffe Road,
Margaret River WA 6285
PO Box 61
Margaret River WA 6285
Monday - Friday
9am - 4pm

Augusta

66 Allnut Terrace,
Augusta WA 6290
PO Box 61
Margaret River WA 6285
Tues, Wed, Thurs
9am-12pm, 1pm-4pm
The Shire of Augusta Margaret River acknowledges we are on Wadandi and Pibelmen Boodja, whose ancestors and their descendants are the traditional owners of this country.
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