Temora Shire Council and local community organisations have secured $192,000 in grant funding to deliver projects and events that strengthen community connections, celebrate cultural diversity and support wellbeing across the Shire.
The funding will support a mix of Council-led initiatives and community projects, ranging from multicultural festivals and creative workshops to school wellbeing programs and activities that support older residents.
Mayor, Rick Firman OAM said the funding would help Council and local organisations deliver initiatives that bring people together and create opportunities for residents across the Shire.
“These grants will help turn good ideas into practical opportunities for our shire community, whether that’s celebrating our diverse cultures, supporting our senior citizens, bringing people together or building resilience during challenging times,” Mayor Firman said.
“It’s also pleasing to see local organisations securing funding for projects that respond to community needs. Council plays an important role in supporting these efforts, including helping organisations access funding opportunities that may otherwise be difficult to navigate.”
A $49,500 grant through Round 5 of the NSW Social Cohesion Grants Program will support Embracing Diversity in Temora Shire. Under Council’s recently adopted Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Framework, the project will develop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Action Plans. Building on the established Embrace Temora initiative, the project will involve community engagement and capacity building to help address racism, embed inclusive practices and strengthen long-term social cohesion.
A $10,000 grant through Multicultural NSW’s Stronger Together Festival and Event Grants will support Embrace 2027, a month-long multicultural celebration culminating in the Embrace Festival at the Bundawarrah Centre Cultural Precinct on 21 August 2027. Cultural
workshops, storytelling, exhibitions, food and performances will celebrate the diverse cultures and histories that have shaped the Shire.
Council has also secured $10,000 through the NSW Seniors Festival Grant Program 2027 for the Temora Open Doors Festival. The two-week program, running from 1 March to 14 March 2027, will use a Seniors Discovery Passport to encourage older residents to explore local venues, try new activities and connect with others through creative workshops, wellbeing activities, local history and intergenerational experiences.
A further $7,500 through the Destination NSW Regional Events Fund – Incubator Events will support A Night at the Museum in 2027. The event will feature illuminated exhibitions, video projections onto historic buildings, live music and guided exhibition tours, offering residents and visitors a unique after-hours experience at the Bundawarrah Centre.
The National Australia Day Council has awarded $15,000 to support two Council-led initiatives: $10,000 for Gather at the Australia Day Pool Party at the Temora Recreation Centre on 26 January 2027 and $5,000 for Gather at Bundawarrah Centre Cultural Precinct (BCCP) on 25 January 2027. Developed in collaboration with local Aboriginal Elders, knowledge holders, artists and community members, Gather at BCCP will be a free cultural gathering celebrating Wiradjuri language, stories and connections to Country through cultural activities, storytelling and interactive learning experiences.
Council has also helped local organisations secure funding for initiatives that respond to community needs and create opportunities for people to connect and participate.
The Temora & District Visual Arts Community (TADVAC) received $30,000 through the FRRR Future Drought Fund Communities Program for Creative Connections. With a focus on pottery and other creative activities, the workshops will bring people together while supporting community resilience. Council submitted the successful application on TADVAC’s behalf.
The Temora Business Enterprise Group secured $46,000 through the same program for the Temora Women’s Resilience Program, with Council’s support. The ten-month initiative, running from March – December 2027, will provide workshops, retreats, connection gatherings and subsidised wellbeing activities, helping women build supportive networks, improve wellbeing and access opportunities to support others in the community.
Council also supported Temora High School and Temora Public School in securing funding through the FRRR Future Drought Fund Communities – Community Impact Program. Temora High School received $15,000 to fund another year of The Resilience Project TM and provide first aid training for students, while Temora Public School received $9,000 to fund another year of The Resilience Project TM as well, supporting students to develop skills in resilience and wellbeing.
Mayor Firman said supporting community connections and wellbeing was an important part of maintaining and building on what makes Temora Shire a great place to live.
“Temora Shire is a great place to live because of our people, our community spirit and the way we come together to support one another,” he said.
“These projects create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved, share their experiences and build connections. Councillors and our Staff are committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen community life and build on what makes Temora Shire such a great place to live, work and raise a family.”
