Local groups and organisations are encouraged to bring their creative ideas to life with the support of Parkes Shire Council's 2025 Cultural Grants Program, opening on Thursday, 17 April 2025.
The annual program provides financial assistance to groups and organisations delivering artistic, musical and cultural initiatives that strengthen community development and contribute to the rich cultural life of the Parkes Shire. Grants of at least $2,000 are available, with a total funding pool of $10,000.
Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 23 May 2025.
Parkes Shire Council's Manager Cultural, Education and Library Services, Kerryn Jones, encourages local groups to consider how their projects could benefit from a Cultural Grant.
"In 2024, we saw a fantastic range of projects funded, from children's pottery workshops to cultural cooking demonstrations and a local poetry night," said Ms Jones.
"These grants help bring people together, celebrate creativity, and showcase the diverse talents within our community," she added.
In 2024, five local projects were awarded funding through the program:
| Applicant | Project Name |
| Parkes Wiradjuri Language Group Inc | Parkes Community NAIDOC Day celebrations |
| Parkes Pottery Group | Children's pottery workshops project |
| The Suburban Review | Cuplet Poetry Night returns in Parkes |
| Trundle Bush Tucker Day Inc | Bush culture daytime entertainment |
| Currajong Disability Services | Learning Country & Culture project |
Demmi Watt from Trundle Bush Tucker Day Inc highlighted the impact on their event.
"The Cultural Grant enabled us to host three free cooking demonstrations with Famous Australian Bush Cook Ranger Nick at the 2024 Trundle Bush Tucker Day. The cooking area was packed with people keen to see Ranger Nick's skills in smoking various dishes in the camp ovens and attendees even got to taste his delicious cooking!"
The annual Cultural Grants Program aims to increase cultural activity in the community, encourage innovative creative events and workshops, help artists, crafters and musicians develop their skills, and provide funds to maintain or develop facilities.
To learn more about the program and apply, visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Community/Grants-and-funding/Councils-Grants-Programs or contact Council's Manager of Cultural, Education & Library Services on (02) 6861 2338.
