Background Information

Council is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of its financial assistance programs to the community, which include donations, grants, in-kind support, and sponsorships. The objective of this review is to establish a more transparent, equitable, and strategically aligned framework for the allocation of funds.

Under section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993, Council may provide financial assistance to others. To ensure this assistance is offered fairly, consistently, and transparently a new Community Financial Assistance Framework has been developed.

The Framework is supported by two key policies, the draft Community Financial Assistance Policy and the draft Incoming Sponsorship Policy, which provide the governance framework and operational detail needed to implement this approach effectively.

The new Community Financial Assistance Framework aims to:

Our New Funding Opportunities

  • Community Grants

    This funding program has been renamed from the previous Community Assistance Scheme. It aims to support local projects and new initiatives that strengthen community, build capacity, and meet local needs. It is proposed to be open in September 2025 and July of each year thereafter.

  • Sustainability Grants

    This program will continue to help schools and community groups take action to reduce their environmental impact and support sustainability. This program is proposed to be open in September 2025 and every July of each year thereafter.

  • Annual Assistance Program

    This program replaces ongoing legacy donations and formalises annual processes. It supports community-led programs that strengthen social connections, enhance services, and address local needs. It is proposed to be open in July of each year.

  • Kick Starter Grants

    This is a new program that provides seed funding for grassroots and youth initiatives aimed to boost wellbeing, build connections, and strengthen community spirit. It is proposed to be open every March and October of each year.

  • Small Halls Activation Grant

    This is a new program that provides one-off funding for Section 355 committees to activate small halls and bring communities together through local events and programs. It is proposed to be open in September of each year.

  • Community Event Sponsorship

    This is a new program to fund community events that demonstrate significant benefit to residents. It is proposed to be open in September 2025 and July of each year thereafter.

  • Destination Event Sponsorship

    This is a new in-kind sponsorship program that aims to support destination events that attract visitors to Wingecarribee and boost the local visitor economy.

  • Wingecarribee Young Achievers Awards and Donations

    This program has been renamed from the previous Community Service Award. It recognises and supports young people in Wingecarribee who excel in citizenship, arts, sport, or academic achievement. A new donation category has also been introduced to support young individuals representing the Shire in chosen field at State or National level.

  • Venue Access Program

    This is a new subsidy program that replaces the legacy 50% hire fee subsidy previously offered to the Southern Highlands Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band. This program will now expand access to a wider range of local performance groups at Bowral Memorial Hall for community cultural programs, performances, and events. It is proposed to be open in September 2025 and July of each year thereafter.

  • Community Waste Disposal Assistance Scheme

    This program will continue to support community groups with waste disposal costs to encourage recycling and environmentally responsible practices. It is proposed to be open in May of each year.

Viewing the Framework & Providing Feedback

The draft Community Financial Assistance Framework, Community Financial Assistance Policy, and Incoming Sponsorship Policy are on public exhibition from Monday 23 June until Monday 21 July 2025. These may be viewed:

  1. In the electronic Document Library on this page
  2. At Council’s Customer Service Counter, Civic Centre, 68 Elizabeth Street, Moss Vale NSW 2577, between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday
  3. Council Libraries

Feedback can be provided through:

  1. Completing an Online Submission Form (below)
  2. Emailing it directly to mail@wsc.nsw.gov.au with the subject title draft Community Financial Assistance Framework
  3. Hand writing your submission and delivering it to Council's Civic Centre located at 68 Elizabeth Street, Moss Vale NSW 2577
  4. Posting your submission to Wingecarribee Shire Council, PO Box 141, Moss Vale NSW 2577

Only written submissions will be considered and these must be received by Council before Monday 21 July 2025. Please note that any submissions received may be included in the final report to Council.

Your feedback is a way for you to share your thoughts and ideas on a particular issue or project. The goal is to make sure your voice and the community’s voices are heard and considered. It helps provide valuable insights, identify potential issues and suggest improvements. This way, decisions can be more inclusive, transparent and effective, reflecting what you and the community really needs and wants.

Responses to engagement projects are compiled and considered. When projects are reported to Council to make a decision a summary of community feedback will be included. Updates on projects will be included in these pages and elsewhere on Council's website.

Sometimes it takes some months to provide feedback to the community and to make a decision as further investigation is often needed. We are listening and we do take your suggestions on board!