Gardiner Foundation Community Development Grants
September 2026
$51,000 awarded to six Gippsland community projects
Six Gippsland community projects have been awarded a share of $51,000 through the 2026 Gardiner Foundation Community Development Grants, supporting local ideas that strengthen connection, build skills and make a practical difference in communities across the region.
The people living and working in local communities are often the ones who see needs first. They know what is already working, what could work better and what they are willing to put their own time and energy behind.
These grants recognise that local knowledge and help community-led ideas move forward.
Gippsland Community Foundation is proud to work alongside Gardiner Foundation, identifying community priorities and administering grants to support these six projects and the people behind them.
Congratulations to all six Gippsland recipients. We look forward to seeing these ideas take shape in their communities.
Maffra Women’s Shed
Maffra Women’s Shed | $6,000
Maffra Women’s Shed has been awarded $6,000 for new tools and safety equipment, along with specialist workshops.
The funding gives members access to equipment and training while creating more opportunities for women to learn new skills, build confidence and spend time together.
Yanakie Progress Association
Yanakie Progress Association | $10,000
Yanakie Progress Association has received $10,000 to expand its community-owned weather station.
The project will provide more localised weather information to support land management, emergency preparedness and climate resilience, while creating opportunities for the community to share knowledge and learn from the data.
Warragul Community House
Warragul Community House | $10,000
Warragul Community House has been awarded $10,000 for its Hello Campaign: Hello House.
The project brings community outreach, pop-up cafés and connections with support services to people who may be experiencing isolation, including dairy farming families, farm workers, older residents and people new to the area.
Sean Mallia, Manager Warragul Community House. Awarded $10,000 for the Hello House Community Cafe project.
Nyora Men’s Shed
Nyora Men’s Shed | $10,000
Nyora Men’s Shed has received $10,000 towards a new wood CNC machine.
The Shed already supports local schools, preschools, opportunity shops, CFA, the pony club and sporting clubs. The new machine will give members another skill to learn while increasing what the Shed can make for other community organisations.
Equip Church
Equip Church | $10,000
Equip Church has been awarded $10,000 for its Hope and Help Program, including a commercial cool room.
The additional storage will give the program more capacity to store food, reduce waste and provide ongoing food relief to local families.
Mirboo North Grain Store
Mirboo North Grain Store Community Asset Committee of Management | $5,000
The Mirboo North Grain Store Community Asset Committee of Management has received $5,000 for safety and accessibility improvements at the Grain Store Community Hub.
The work will support the ongoing use of the venue for community programs, events and volunteer-led activities.
If like The Gardiner Foundation you’re looking to create meaningful, accountable impact in Gippsland, we welcome a conversation. Potential supporters can call Executive Officer, Michelle Dowsett, on 0499 241 917 or info@gippslandcf.org.au
Grants Awarded - April 2026
East Gippsland Bushfire Communities receive a further $642,538 funding boost
27 locally led projects funded to back long term response and recovery
The Gippsland Community Foundation (GCF) has announced a further $642,538 in grant funding to support 27 locally led projects, made possible through publicly donated funds entrusted to the Foundation in the aftermath of the fires.
More than five years on from the 2019-2020 Black Summer Bushfires, communities across East Gippsland fire impacted regions continue to shape what recovery looks like on their own terms.
Now in its seventh major Bushfire Recovery Grant round, the focus has shifted beyond immediate response. Today, funding is about strengthening what exists, supporting connection, building local capability, and ensuring communities have the infrastructure, spaces and support they need into the future.
GCF Chair Lara Caplygin said the Foundation remains focused on stewarding funds with care and intent. “These funds were given in good faith by the public, and we take that responsibility seriously. What we’re seeing across East Gippsland is communities continuing to lead their own recovery through projects that reflect local priorities, build capability, and create lasting impact.”
Image: GCF Bushfire Recovery Grants create long term community impact
Full list of Grant Recipients
This round of awarded grants supports a wide range of practical, community-driven initiatives, including:
A generator for the Bemm River Recreation Reserve, supporting reliable access to power for community use and emergency readiness
Heating and cooling upgrades at the Ensay Hall, improving comfort and accessibility year-round
A Volunteer Give Back Day through Friends of the Mitta, recognising and strengthening local volunteer networks
GCF Executive Officer Michelle Dowsett said the strength of this work lies in the people behind it. “Recovery continues to take shape in different ways across communities. Behind each of these projects are local volunteers and committees who’ve identified a need, put in the work to bring an idea forward, and will see it through to something tangible for their whole community.”
“Across all 27 grant recipients, the common thread is local insight, effort and commitment. This work is happening right across Gippsland and isn’t unique to disaster recovery.” Michelle Dowsett said.
“As the needs within communities continue to evolve, so too does the role of the Foundation. Listening, responding, and ensuring funding reaches where it can make the greatest difference is at the heart of what we do” she continued.
GCF would welcome more funding partners looking to support meaningful, community-led impact across Gippsland. Businesses, philanthropic organisations or individual potential partners should contact info@gippslandcf.org.au or call Michelle Dowsett on 0499 241 917.
The full list of grant recipients can be found below
Clifton Creek Tennis Club - Maintaining Tennis Courts $ 6,899
Bruthen Recreation Reserve - All weather shelter & seating $50,000
Goongerah Committee of Management - Fireproofing Goongerah $28,550
Radio East Gippsland - Emergency Broadcast Transmission upgrade $21,600
Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve - Playground & Tennis Nets $14,000
Mallacoota and District Tool Library - Security equipment & Trailer $ 6,637
Nowa Nowa Community Development Group - Planning & Design for cultural
education centre $49,700
Friends of the Mitta - Volunteer Give Back Day $ 3,500
Jane Davidson Association - Fund re-roof community building $30,000
Tamboon Inlet Community Association - Fire Plan 2026 $10,260
Ensay Mechanics Institute Reserve - Heating & Cooling Ensay Hall $12,238
Tambo Valley Golf Club - Complete Electrical upgrade $38,615
Sarsfield Community Association - Playground equipment $50,000
Omeo Recreation Reserve - Veranda Rebuild $13,000
Noorinbee Hall & Rec Reserve - BBQ area & Maintenance Equipment $29,789
Benambra Public Hall - Air Conditioner for Benambra Hall $10,230
Bemm River Community Recreation Centre - Generator & Install $31,294
Wilderness Collective Inc, Mallacoota - Microenterprise program $50,000
Buchan Heritage Group - Refurbish Historical Butter Factory $29,800
Bruthen Neighbourhood House - Storage and Activity Shed $50,000
Gippsland Agricultural Group - Heating, cooling & floor coverings $26,500
Tambo Valley Bowling Club - Sheds for storage $42,785
Cann Valley District Representative Group - Wilderness KELP Farm $20,000
Club Terrace Community Reserve - Mower, Water Tank & Install $17,140
Congratulations to all grant recipients, we look forward to seeing the wonderful impact your project will bring to your region.