Australia Day Grants

Create an Aussie Day Community Event!

Australia Day event grants will open soon, so you can celebrate what’s great about the Mackay region.

Council is offering Australia Day 2027 event grants of up to $1000 to help not-for-profit groups put on a ripper Aussie Day event. As an example, celebrations could include a family fun day at a local park, an Aussie-themed morning tea with community awards or an epic game of beach cricket!

To be eligible, your event must:

Take place on Australia Day 2027 (Tuesday, January 26)
Be located within the Mackay Regional Council area
Be open to all members of the public and be free to attend
Recognise Mackay Regional Council’s support for the event on the day and in all promotional material (including posters, flyers and social media) leading up to the event.

How to Apply

To apply for a grant, complete the online application form before midnight Sunday, November 22 (no late submissions will be accepted). Note - the grants link and portal will be open from 8am Friday, October 23. Applicants will be notified of the funding result within three weeks of the closing date.

Successful applicants will be required to

Complete a tax declaration form and return by 5pm Wednesday, December 2, to ensure payment is made before the end of 2026.
Provide event details (confirmed times, location, activities etc) for promotion on council’s website as part of our official Australia Day web page as soon as possible and no later than Wednesday, December 9, 2026.
After the event - complete an Australia Day 2027 Grant Outcome Form online (including event feedback, attendance figures, participation of sponsors and images) within two weeks of your event.

* To be eligible, you must be a registered not-for-profit group.

Please direct any enquiries about the Australia Day Grants to communications@mackay.qld.gov.au.