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.