Local projects share in $257,000 to strengthen our community

Published on 19 November 2025

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Council has endorsed 21 community-led projects to share in more than $257,000 in funding as part of its 2025/26 Community Grants Program. The annual program supports local not-for-profit organisations and community groups to deliver initiatives that strengthen community connection, inclusion and wellbeing across the City.

City of Maribyrnong Mayor, Cr Pradeep Tiwari, said the program continues to play an important role in supporting the diverse and dynamic communities that make up Maribyrnong.

“Our annual Community Grants Program is one of the ways Council helps strengthen the fabric of our City by empowering local groups to deliver initiatives that celebrate our diversity, build inclusion and create lasting positive change,” Mayor Tiwari said.

Funded projects this year include:

  • The Plenty Kitchen – a collaboration between Campground Kitchen and Duke Street Community House to address food insecurity while creating pathways out of poverty through cooking skills, training, and community connection.
  • Voices for Justice: Community Vision and Co-Design Forum – a community-led initiative by Australia Refugees and Family Reunification Inc. (ARFRI) that aims to empower refugee and migrant communities in Maribyrnong to shape their future through storytelling, leadership, and participatory design.
  • Westsider Radio: New Voices Project – a project to get underrepresented voices on air in Melbourne’s inner west; supporting people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and young people to share their stories and experiences.
  • Parkrun in Cruickshank Park, Yarraville – a free, timed 5km group social event every weekend where participants will have the choice to walk, jog, run or volunteer at each event, promoting a healthy lifestyle and improving social cohesion in the community.

“It’s inspiring to see the creativity and commitment of our local organisations in responding to community needs and helping make Maribyrnong an even more connected, caring and resilient place to live,” Mayor Tiwari continued.

 

Strong community interest saw 78 eligible applications submitted for the 2025/26 round, seeking more than $1.15 million in funding. After a detailed review by the Independent Review Panel, Council endorsed 21 projects to share in this year’s grants.

Delivery of the Community Grants Program is a key action under the Council Plan 2025-29, supporting a vibrant, inclusive and resilient community.

For more information about the Community Grants Program, including the list of successful recipients, visit www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/CommunityGrants

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