Community projects supported by community and village grants
Published on 02 September 2026
Funding has been awarded to support a diverse range of community projects across the region.
Community groups and organisations will receive funding via the latest round of Armidale Regional Council’s (ARC) Community Grants Program and Village Grants program.
The latest grant rounds closed on 13 July 2026.
According to Mayor Sam Coupland, the ARC grants support groups and services within the local government area to deliver projects that address community needs, while promoting social inclusion and community connection
“By regularly offering Community and Village Grants, Council is able to assist local groups to continue the great work they do,” said Mayor Coupland.
“This includes delivering projects and programs that benefit people and the region, and help build stronger, more connected communities.
“Grassroots organisations play a vital role enriching our region - and sometimes just a little financial support is all that’s needed to ensure a great project can get off the ground and make an impact!”
At the Ordinary Council Meeting on 26 August 2026, Council approved the distribution of $50,000.00 under the 2026/27 Community Support and Small Grants program budget to the following groups:
- National Parks Association of NSW Inc Armidale Branch, for printing and hosting the 3rd edition of the ‘Family Outings Around Armidale’ booklet - $1000
- Lyambay Dance Group, for NSW Public Schools Aboriginal Dance Company and School Spectacular - $2000
- New England Nomads Juniors AFC, for AFL Affiliation and umpiring fees and insurance - $1500
- New England Tutorium, for New England Tutorium Classical Education Programme: teaching Materials & venue Support - $2000
- Armidale Youth Orchestra, for landing the tuba - $1500
- New England Conservatorium of Music, for keeping up with the times, technology and safety - $1500
- University of New England, for Armidale Fermentation Festival - $1500
- Country Women’s Association of NSW Armidale Branch, for Women’s Health and Wellbeing Seminar -$1500
- Legacy Club Services Armidale, for Widows Luncheons - $2000
- St Peters Preschool, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, RAP action group - $700
- CWA Guyra Evening Branch, for Grazing Around Guyra Cookbook - $2000
- New England Bach Festival, for 2027 New England Bach Festival - $3000
- Sunnyfield, for Sunny Creations Creative Artwork Activities - $1,500
- Guyra VRA Rescue Squad Incorporated, for Guyra Vertical Rescue Capability Upgrade - $4000
- New England Garden Festival Inc, for New England Garden Festival Advertising - $3800
- Armidale Showground Reserve Land Manager, for Showground Military Camp signage and Interpretation Project - $2500
- Armidale Tree Group Inc, for Beadle Grove Bush Restoration - $3000
- The Anglican Parish of Guyra, for Guyra Anglican Church Hall Seating for Community Gatherings - $2500
- Bulldog Blues, for Bulldog Blues presents the The Big Day Trout 2026 - $3000
- Southern New England Landcare Ltd, for Spring into Nutrition Farming - $1500
- PCYC Armidale, for Youth Police Touch Football Program - $2500
- Armidale Botanic Garden Inc, for Enhancing the Garden as a cultural and tourism destination - $2000
- Guyra Lamb & Potato Festival, for the Festival’s Live Music Program across 12 days - $2500
- Open Mic Under 18’s Live Armidale, for Open Mic nights for under 18’s - $1000
At this meeting, Council also approved the distribution of $12,500 of the available Village Grants funding for 2026/27 to:
- Dumaresq Rural Fire Brigade, for dry conditions firefighting equipment - $3500
- Ben Lomond Recreation Reserve, for enclosing an all-weather picnic area for visitors and groups - $2000
- New England Conservatorium of Music, for New England Sings! - $3500
- PCYC Armidale, for EmpowerHer Juniors Village Outreach - $3500
Community and Village Grants are offered throughout the year. Details are available via council’s website: