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August Meeting Wrap 2026

August Meeting Wrap - Community Groups to Benefit from New Grants Program

Publish date: 21 August 2026
COMMUNITY groups across the Buloke Shire will have simpler and more accessible funding opportunities following Council's adoption of a new Community Grants Program.
At Council's Ordinary Meeting on 19 August, Councillors adopted the Community Grants Guidelines 2026 and Community Support Policy 2026, creating a streamlined grants program designed to make it easier for local organisations to access funding while continuing to support sustainable community projects.
Cr Hogan said the changes reflected Council's commitment to supporting community-led initiatives, moving from two grant streams to one program delivered across two funding rounds.
Applications will be assessed against community need, participation outcomes, community benefit, financial capacity and sustainability outcomes, ensuring projects deliver long-term value for local communities.
“The changes respond to a clear need, as the Community Sustainability Grants Program has been underutilised while funding for the Community Grants Program was fully allocated during the 2025/26 financial year,” Cr Hogan explained.
“By consolidating the two programs into a single Community Grants Program, Council can simplify the process for community organisations and continue to support sustainability outcomes using the funds generated from the Coonooer Bridge wind farm.
“Our grant program is highly valued by the community. Many local groups rely on these opportunities when planning projects and activities, with several organisations already enquiring about the next grant round. “
Council received its monthly Governance Report, which provides an overview of key statutory compliance, transparency and governance matters.
Cr Barratt said the report demonstrates Council's ongoing commitment to strong governance, transparency and accountability by providing oversight of key statutory, operational and decision-making activities.
“Regular reporting of these matters supports public confidence and aligns with the Council Plan's focus on responsible stewardship and effective governance,” Cr Barratt said.
Council has strengthened its governance framework through the appointment of Andrew Johnson and Ben Vale as independent members of the Audit and Risk Committee for a three-year term, commencing 9 September 2026.
Acknowledging the important role the committee plays in supporting Council's financial oversight, risk management and internal control processes, Cr Hogan said the appointment of two independent members, rather than the usual one, demonstrates Council's commitment to strong governance.
“Where there are…two very competent people available, we’re making sure that we utilise that opportunity – a very good outcome, I think, for the Audit and Risk Committee,” Cr Hogan added.
Councillors also considered broader governance and advocacy matters through the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) State Council Quarterly Delegate Report from Buloke Shire Council's representative.
Through the MAV and in conjunction with the six member councils of the Wimmera Southern Mallee Alliance, Council endorsed four advocacy motions focused on issues affecting rural and regional communities.
The motions seek improved mental health services, long-term water security for recreational lakes, greater support for integrated water management projects and enhanced telecommunications resilience during emergencies.
“Through collective advocacy representing 79 Victorian local councils and strong sector partnerships, Council is better positioned to influence government policy and secure outcomes that align with the priorities of our Council Plan," Cr Delaney said.
Speaking in support of the mental health advocacy motion, Cr Stafford highlighted the limited availability of specialist mental health services in regional areas, particularly for young people.
Highlighting figures raised in the Victorian Parliament in June, Cr Stafford said only four of Victoria's 58 dedicated adolescent mental health inpatient beds are located in regional Victoria, reinforcing the need for improved access to specialist mental health care for regional communities.
"We've got rural health services doing a really good job in providing counselling, social work and mental health support, but once somebody needs psychology, specialist clinical care or acute psychiatric care, the options become much more limited," Cr Stafford said.
As Urgent Business, Councillors endorsed a motion calling on the Minister for Energy and Resources, the Hon. Jaclyn Symes MLC, to address concerns raised by Victorian farmers regarding property access. This includes the withdrawal of fines issued to 12 farmers, improved training for DEECA authorised officers, timely engagement with landholders and the provision of biosecurity plans 7-days prior to farm visits.
Cr Stafford commented that the motion raised by Cr Getley is fundamentally about fairness and respect for landholders.
“Whatever your view of what VNI West is, landholders are entitled to be treated fairly and respectfully when authorised officers are seeking access to their property,” Cr Stafford said.
“They’re not just random parcels of land – they’re operating businesses and access can have a real implication for livestock, crops, machinery biosecurity etc.”
#Ends

 

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