Council funding spreads festive cheer for community events

Not-for-profit groups planning community festive events on Redlands Coast this year can now apply for a special round of funding from Redland City Council.

Mayor Jos Mitchell said Council was offering an additional, early round of Village Events and Activation Grant (VEAG) funding this year to support community-led events.

“Council introduced the VEAG program in 2022, offering one funding round in February each year to help activate 10 local centres across Redlands Coast,” the Mayor said.

“Previous funding has supported organisations holding community festive events at Mount Cotton, Redland Bay and Wellington Point.

“Council has decided to allow an additional and early round of applications to give more community-led event organisers the opportunity to apply for funding.

“This is in line with Council’s decision to reimagine its Christmas program this year as a city-wide four-week festival of activities rather than a single event.”

The Mayor said the VEAG guidelines would be amended to open up the grants to a wider range of events.

“Council welcomes applications from any community organisation planning to deliver activities and experiences anywhere on both the mainland and the islands,” she said.

“This can include live entertainment and movie events, youth activities, and specialty food and boutique markets.

“The additional, early VEAG round allows community groups to apply for funding of up to $12,000 to hold festive events between 22 November and 24 December 2024.

“Through the VEAG program, Council wants to support activities and experiences that bring social, cultural and economic benefits to our community by encouraging visitors and residents to get out and experience what Redlands Coast has to offer.”

Applications close on Monday 11 November 2024.

For more information on the Village Events and Activation Grant program, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit Redland City Council’s website.