Grant Office achieves record success with $65 million secured in grant funds

By Zoe Dark, Principal Advisor and Manager, Grant Office

Over the past financial year, our Grant Office has achieved unprecedented success, securing almost $65 million in grant funds across more than 90 successful grant applications. This remarkable achievement demonstrates the strength of our partnerships with councils and organisations, and highlights our commitment to fostering community growth and development. 

We have successfully secured grants ranging from $2,000 to $13.5 million. These grants have funded a wide array of projects, from critical community development programs to large-scale infrastructure initiatives. This diversity in funding demonstrates our ability to support projects of all sizes and scopes, addressing various community needs and priorities. 

Just some of the projects funded last financial year include: 

Community Development Programs

Vital initiatives that enhance social cohesion and improve the quality of life for residents, such as the establishment of an Indigenous Knowledge Centre for the Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council and Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council, funded by State Libraries, and the $4.7 million Laynhapuy Regional Study Hub funded by the Regional University Study Hubs Program for the Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation. 

Large Infrastructure Projects

Major investments that drive economic growth and provide essential services to communities, such as the $13.5 million Airport Upgrades under the Growing Regions Program for the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council, as well as over $27 million secured under the Resource Community Infrastructure Fund. 

Tourism & Events

Innovative projects that promote local tourism and host significant events, boosting regional economies, such as Carpentaria Shire Council’s School Dam Shelters and Barcoo Shire Council’s Event Precinct Amenities Upgrade funded by the Building Bush Tourism Fund, and the Northern Live Music at NPA Cultural Festival for the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council, funded by the Live Music Australia Program. 

In response to growing community needs, we have significantly expanded our services to include community engagement and strategic planning. This expansion allows us to better support our partners and stakeholders, ensuring that projects not only receive funding in an increasingly competitive environment but also achieve their intended impact. To support our expanding services and growing portfolio, during the last financial year we also welcomed three new team members. Their expertise and fresh perspectives are proving invaluable as we continue to strive for excellence in grant application success and community support. 

Our team of experts is equipped with specialised knowledge across several key sectors, including housing, energy, water, tourism, events, and community development. This breadth of expertise enables us to craft compelling grant applications tailored to the unique requirements of each sector, maximising the chances of success. 

Around the water cooler, we hear from many councils disappointed with the results of the extremely competitive Growing Regions program. As they say, don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. Your projects are ready, the work has been done—it's time to put a funding strategy in place to see your projects get the funding they need. 

As we start the new financial year and the next wave of the busy grant season with the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program and the Housing Support Program Stream 2, both with applications due next month, the team is busy planning ways to streamline our processes to deliver efficient services and quality project documentation to support winning grant applications. 

Our ongoing collaborations with councils and organisations continue to strengthen, and our expanded services position us to support even more transformative projects. We remain dedicated to securing the necessary funding to drive positive change and foster sustainable development in our communities. 

We thank our partners, clients, and team members for their hard work and dedication. Together, we are making a significant impact, and we look forward to building on this success in the coming year. 

For more information on our services or to discuss potential partnerships, please contact Zoe Dark, Principal Advisor & Grant Office Manager at zdark@wearepeak.com.au or M 0442 102 122