Community Partnerships

About Community Partnerships

Applications for the Community Partnerships program are now fully awarded, with the next round expected to open in 2027.  Read on for more information about the grant program, funded organisations and the services they deliver.  

The Community Partnerships program aims to foster collaborative, strategic partnerships between the Shire and community organisations. These partnerships are designed to align with both the Shire’s Strategic Community Plan and the partner organisation’s strategic goals, to achieve outcomes that benefit the community, local economy and natural environment. Partnerships should deliver clear benefits to the community and enhance the capacity of both partners. 

Community Partnership Funding Streams:

1)    Environmental Stewardship

To assist in advancing one or more of the following outcomes:

• EN.1 Ecology and biodiversity protection 
• EN.2 Heathy waterways, foreshores and natural landscapes 
• EN.3 Collective climate action 
• EN.4 Sustainable resource and waste management  

2)    Sustainable Economies & Community Development 

To assist in advancing one or more of the following outcomes:

• Outcome PL.4 Resilient circular local economy, including facilitating and advocating for the region to be developed as a hub for the creative industries. 
• Outcome PE.1: Diverse cultural values are respected and adopted  
• Outcome PE.2: Equal opportunities for all 
• Outcome PE.3: Active, healthy and fulfilling lifestyles 
• Outcome PE.4: Safe and resilient communities 

Program status and future opportunities:

In the 2024-27 round, organisations could apply for up to $50,000 (ex. GST) per year, with funding able to support operating and project costs.  The Community Partnerships program has now awarded funding to seven community organisations to deliver programs and services that contribute to shared outcomes over three year funding periods.

Applications are currently closed and are expected to reopen in 2027.  Sign up for the AMR Shire's Leeuwin Current newsletter to receive updates on future funding opportunities.

Current Partners:

1)    Environmental Stewardship

• Lower Blackwood LCDC: Partnering to support sustainable land management and strengthen the resilience of the Shire’s agricultural community. Annual funding: $50,000.
• Nature Conservation Margaret River Region: Working together to protect local biodiversity and connect the community with our natural environment through collaborative conservation initiatives. Annual funding: $50,000.
• Undalup Association: Partnering to strengthen Wadandi culture, support conservation of Boodja, and deepen community understanding through shared cultural, environmental and educational activities. Annual funding: $50,000.

2)    Sustainable Economies & Community Development 

• Augusta Community Resource Centre: Collaborating to deliver inclusive community programs, events and services that build social connection, support local groups and strengthen the Augusta community. Annual funding: $35,000.
• Creative Corner: Working together to grow the creative industries, build local creative capacity and strengthen community connection through arts, culture and innovation. Annual funding: $20,000.
• Margaret River Business Network: Working together to support small business resilience through training, networking, advocacy and local economic development initiatives. Annual funding: $40,000.
• Mind-Ed Margaret River: Collaborating to build a more resilient community through mental health education, prevention initiatives, and improved pathways to local support. Annual funding: $35,000.

Funding amounts shown are excluding GST and are indexed annually in line with CPI.

The following documents provide detailed information about the Community Partnerships Grant Program. This includes program priorities, eligibility criteria, funding conditions, and application, assessment and reporting requirements.

For more information, please contact:

Environmental Stewardship

Hayley Bain

Coordinator Environment and Landcare Services

(08) 9780 5218

[email protected]

Sustainable Economies

Stephanie Binns

Manager of Arts and Economic Development

(08) 9780 5247

[email protected]

Community Development

Melissa Carmichael

Community Development Officer

(08) 9780 5627

[email protected]