It's GREAT!

Gilgandra Shire Council (GSC) recognises that local events contribute to the vibrancy and energy of our town and region. The ability to deliver events is critical to drive our region’s competitive advantage and economic growth.

The It’s GREAT Program has been established in order to assist with investment into events in the Gilgandra Region. Funding will be provided to local businesses and community groups to assist in the delivery of events within the Gilgandra Region.

The It’s GREAT Program has the following objectives:

• Support events that align with our Community Strategic plan and our Regions activation and revitalisation projects, including the Gilgandra Activation Blueprint.
• Encourage activation of public spaces and streets to increase foot traffic and vibrancy.
• Support safe, inclusive, and family-friendly events that enhance local community connection.
• Encourage active transport and temporary transformation of public spaces.
• Foster a vibrant events culture and infrastructure that maximises tourism, economic growth, and community vitality in the Gilgandra Region.
• Recognise the contribution events make to the social and cultural development of residents and visitors to the Gilgandra Region.
• Promote the Gilgandra Region as an attractive place to Live > Enjoy > Grow!

Following the first two funding rounds, the It’s GREAT 2025/26 microgrants program will now move to an open rolling application model until all available funds are fully allocated, with applications remaining competitive and no further allocations once funding is exhausted. Applications are competitive, and once funding is exhausted, no further allocations will be available.

Find out more in the It's GREAT resource provided, download your copy here!(PDF, 19MB) 

Building on the success of the BIG Ideas Program, the 23/24 year saw the launch of the “It’s GREAT Program”, a local events grant funding initiative. Local businesses and community groups were able to apply for a share of $50,000 to deliver events in the Gilgandra Region.

It's GREAT is back in 25/26, in line with the Community Strategic Plan and Gilgandra Activation Blueprint, Council in collaboration with the Economic Development Committee has committed a total of $50,000 to local businesses, community groups and clubs to assist in the development and expansion of events within the region.

In it's second year this program is also supported with additional funding from the Microgrants component of the NSW Government Open Streets Program, Streets of Colour @ Goin' to Gil, which aims to activate local streets and public spaces, encourage social connection, and create vibrant, safe and inclusive places across the Goin’ to Gil Weekend.

Please download and review the attached It's GREAT Resource(PDF, 19MB) to find out more about the program including Terms and Conditions and eligibility requirements.

Who is Eligible? Local Business, Community Groups, and Clubs must be located within the Gilgandra LGA and a legally constituted entity (holder of an Australian Business Number or Incorporated Number).

All events are encouraged to be accessible and inclusive. Please note, all events must be completed and acquitted by 30 June 2027.

Applications are now open!

(PDF, 19MB)

^ Click on image to open!