Council’s Community Development Team is pleased to announce that the next round of the Community Plan Implementation Fund Specialist Stream will focus on supporting an “All Clubs Gathering” event, led by Community Planning Groups (CPGs) or Community Asset Committees (CACs).

This grant round will assist CPGs and CACs in hosting a gathering or networking event that brings together local clubs, community groups, and volunteer organisations. These gatherings are designed to foster stronger relationships, celebrate local identity, and increase awareness of the diverse activities and services available within each town. They also provide a platform for sharing information about current initiatives and future plans.

In many small towns, clubs and groups operate independently, often unaware of each other’s initiatives, resources, or challenges. An All Clubs Gathering offers a unique opportunity to bring these groups together, encourage collaboration, and showcase the rich tapestry of community life. It’s a chance for residents to discover new opportunities to get involved, and for clubs to build partnerships that strengthen their impact.

This initiative is grounded in the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) model, which focuses on identifying and mobilising the strengths, talents, and resources already present within the community. Rather than focusing on needs or deficits, ABCD encourages communities to build from the ground up — leveraging local leadership, skills, and relationships to create meaningful change.

By supporting these gatherings, Council aims to:

• promote community planning and implement identified planning priorities
• Strengthen inter-club relationships and collaboration
• Celebrate the diversity of local assets- people, places, and programs
• Encourage inclusive participation across all ages and backgrounds
• Build resilient and connected communities through shared experiences

Applicants are encouraged to design events that reflect their town’s unique character, involve a wide range of local clubs, and create welcoming spaces for all residents to connect, learn, and celebrate together.

Greater Shepparton City Council invites CPGs and CACs to apply to host an All Clubs Gathering event in their town.

Event Timing:
Events must be held between December 2025 and April 2026. However, Council may consider applications outside of this timeframe.

To be eligible for funding, applicants must:

• Be a recognised CPG or CAC based in a small town within the Greater Shepparton region.
• Demonstrate collaboration with multiple local clubs or groups.
• Propose an event that is open to all other clubs/groups within their town and promotes community connection.
• Have the capacity to deliver the event within the proposed timeframe.
• Applicants must either be incorporated or have an auspicing organisation willing to manage the funds on their behalf, please ensure the auspicing organisation is aware of and agrees to this responsibility.

Considerations to be made:

How does your group intend to ensure inclusivity and actively invite local community groups and organisations, aligning with the principles of placemaking and the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach?

FURTHER INFORMATION: 

Please contact your assigned Community Development or Committees Liaison Officer. 

Please read the Specialist Stream Guidelines - Community Plan Implementation Fund located on Council's website here.

Funds up to $1,000.00 are available per application.

• Events must be delivered within December 2025 to April 2026.
• CPGs and CACs are required to do a presentation on the night of the gathering to showcase what priorities they have achieved in the past year, what they are currently working on and where they want to step into commencing 2026.
• As part of the acquittal report, grant recipients are encouraged to include a short reflection summarising what worked well, what challenges were encountered, and any lessons learned for future events. This can be based on informal discussions or feedback gathered from those involved in planning, delivery of the event and feedback from attendees. 

The acquittal report must also include:

• Photos from the event (where appropriate and with consent)
• Estimated attendance numbers, and
• Any feedback collected from participants or attendees.
• Approval provided by relevant Council staff for use of logo on promotional materials.
• applicant must hold appropriate public liability insurance.

Greater Shepparton City Council is supportive of unique ideas and encourage groups to come up with projects/ideas that are supported by their towns.

The Community Development team will work with the applicant to assist with planning, preparing and delivery of event. 

Applications that demonstrate strong community partnerships with other local groups or organisations will be viewed favourably and scored higher. 

If your application is successful Council will need to know who to pay the funds to.

Greater Shepparton City Council manages your personal information in accordance with its Privacy Policy and the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic). Your personal information is collected to communicate with you regarding your grant application. It is disclosed to Council Officers for review of your application and may be disclosed to other areas of Council to administer your grant application. If you do not provide the requested information we may be unable to process your application and keep you informed of the outcome of the application. Council may also use your personal information to contact you regarding future grant rounds.