Supporting over 60 local events through the Event Assistance Program

Council’s annual Event Assistance Program has supported over 60 community events and initiatives in the last 12 months, providing more than $132,000 in financial assistance, in-kind support and waivers of facility fees and charges. 

CatholicCare CQ received a grant under the program for their Family and Domestic Violence Vigil, which raises awareness about domestic violence issues affecting women and children in the Central Highlands. Held at the Emerald council building in May, the vigil provided a platform for community members to come together in solidarity and support.    A representative from CatholicCare CQ shared the positive impact that the Event Assistance Program had on their event.     ‘The vigil acknowledges the work that people do in the community and supports the people who have been affected by domestic violence,’ the spokesperson said. 

‘We also had the family and domestic violence march to educate the community and to raise awareness about responding appropriately to family and domestic violence in the community. 

‘The grant allowed us to host the events and offer a better experience, and to cater for the event and engage a lot more community members. We were able to do advertising and we wouldn’t have been able to do what we did without the support of council. The financial support and the help from the staff, it was crucial in being able to host our events in the community.’ 

The Event Assistance Program recognises that community events and initiatives play a vital role in supporting and enhancing resilient, safe, vibrant and inclusive communities. 

In 2023-2024 council provided the following assistance under the program. 

For more information about the Event Assistance Program, please contact council on 1300 242 686.