Grants and funding

Professional artists, emerging professional artists, arts workers, cultural workers or project coordinators who:

• Are based in the council area, or if based outside the council area, can demonstrate how the project will directly benefit arts and culture in the council area
• Are aged 18 years of age or above or have a legal guardian co-sign the application confirming financial responsibility of the funding
• Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or be an incorporated organisation or the grant be auspice by one of these

Any of the following groups may be eligible to apply:

• Arts, culture and heritage organisations based in the council area
• Arts, culture and heritage organisations based outside the council area that can demonstrate how the project will directly benefit arts and culture in the council area
• Organisations and/or agencies delivering arts and cultural objectives for the region aligning with arts, cultural and heritage strategic vision.

Individuals are eligible to apply for Australian-based professional development opportunities including:

• professional development, e.g. workshops/retreats, conferences, mentorships, artist-in-residence programs and placements with recognised arts and cultural organisations
• research/concept development
• new works or projects, e.g. public art, exhibitions
• exhibition costs, e.g. framing, venue hire, materials/tools to support an exhibition

Groups are eligible to apply for projects under the following categories:

• Skills development workshops
• Community arts and cultural development
• Cultural tourism
• Concept development
• Events and festivals
• Placemaking
• Conferences and training

See pages 8-9 in the RADF guidelines for more information and examples.

Step 1: Before starting your application, please read our RADF Guidelines and ensure you have been in touch with one of council’s Arts and Cultural Officer prior to completing/submitting an application.

Step 2: Applications can be completed online via the  SmartyGrants platform.

You are required to register a username and password login the first time you use this application system. The online application system will allow you to save and develop applications before you choose to submit them.

RADF Liaison Officers are available to for advice regarding the development of your application or for assistance in completing the SmartyGrants application. For assistance, please contact council.

Step 3: Once applications close, Central Highlands Arts and Culture Advisory Committee will access the applications and provide a recommendation to council for endorsement. Once council have made a decision on funding allocation, each applicant will be notified of the outcome.

Applicants are required to be incorporated organisations with public liability insurance, or be auspiced by an incorporated organisation or individual with an ABN. 

Previous assessment meeting minutes are updated below:

2025/26

Round 1 – 4 July

Round 2 – 3 October

Round 3 – 8 May

2024/25

Round 1 – 8 November 2024

Round 2 -7 March 2025

Round 3 – 6 June 2025

2023/24

Round 1 – 9 February 2024

2022/2023

Round 1 – 11 November 2022

Round 2 – 10 March 2023

Round 3 – 12 May 2023

2021/2022

Round 1 – 1 October 2021

Round 2 – 4 February 2022

Round 3 – 8 April 2022

2020/2021

Round 1 – 20 November 2020

Round 2 – 12 March 2021

Round 3 – 14 May 2021

2019/2020

Round 1 – 25 October 2019

Round 2 – 13 December 2019

Round 3 – 7 February 2020

Round 4 – 8 May 2020

Round 1

Opening Date – 1 July 2026
Closing Date – 30 July 2026
Notification of Outcome – September 2026

Round 2

Opening Date – 1 October 2026
Closing Date – 31 October 2026
Notification of Outcome – December 2026

Round 3

Opening Date – 1 January 2027
Closing Date – 31 January 2027
Notification of Outcome – March 2027

Round 4

Opening Date – 1 April 2027
Closing Date – 30 April 2027
Notification of Outcome – June 2027

Applicants are required to:

• Complete the application form in full.
• Reside, own or operate a business in the Duaringa Designated Urban Area (pictured).
• Proof of residency, ownership or business operation must be submitted. Examples include rates notice, recent Ergon bill, copy of driver’s licence (front and back) or a signed lease agreement.
• Provide evidence of relevant expenses you have incurred with the support of an invoice or receipt, meeting the ATO standards.
  • If a purchase has not yet been made, a valid quote in the applicants name must be submitted for your application to be pre-approved. Only upon completion of the works/purchase and the submission of a receipt, can monies be reimbursed.
  • Evidence of expense must be in the name of the applicant, or another party who can demonstrate that they reside at the same address.
  • If proof of purchase does not include applicant’s name, a photograph of the item must also be provided as evidence.
• Be of at least 18 years of age.
• The expenditure being claimed must have occurred between 1 March 2025 and the application date.
  • For works still to be undertaken or purchase to be made, expense must be completed in full by 30 November 2026 with evidence provided to Council to demonstrate the works have occurred.

The program aims to provide fair but limited financial assistance to those affected by the presence of flying-foxes.

To provide everyone with equal opportunity to claim funds, there will be a maximum reimbursement limit of up to $5,000 per property available.

Each property will only be eligible to receive up to $5,000. This maximum amount includes the GST component of any eligible expenses.

Eligible claims may include, but are not limited to:

• Modifications to infrastructure:
  • Air-conditioning installation or servicing where the purpose is to reduce exposure to noise or odour.
  • Acoustic batts.
  • Double-glazing of windows.
  • Lamination of windows.
  • Installing shelter/carport.
  • Non-slip material.
• Cleaning and mitigation:
  • External cleaning.
  • Solar panel cleaning.
  • Covers for vehicles, furniture, infrastructure or trees.
  • Washing machine & clothes dryer.
  • Vegetation management performed by contractors.

Ineligible items to claim:

• Costs not related directly to flying-fox impacts.
• Claims without evidence.
• Costs for routine household maintenance.
• Insurance excess or claims.
• Second-hand purchases without a valid invoice/receipt.
• Expenses prior to 1 March 2025.
• Property or water Rates.

Invoices/receipts:

• Must meet the ATO standards:
  • Supplier’s business/trading name.
  • Active Australian Business Number (ABN).
  • Date of purchase.
  • Description of goods or service purchased.
  • Total amount paid, and amount of GST (if applicable).
• Be in the name of the applicant or another party who can demonstrate that they reside at the same address.

The possible high demand for reimbursement funds under the Central Highlands Regional Council means that not all grant applicants may be approved, or the full amount applied for will be approved.

Although an application may meet the assessment criteria, approval will depend on the funds available, and number of applications received.

All application submissions will be assessed by the pre-determined panel. In general, the assessment is a formal process which consists of various levels and directorates of council staff.

All applicants will receive written notification of their application’s outcome. Unsuccessful applicants may request feedback on their application by contacting council.

Applications are scheduled to be assessed by the panel by Friday 9 October 2026.

Grant applications must be completed online at chrc.info/FlyingFoxes2026.

For assistance, please contact CHRC Customer Service on 1300 242 686 and request to speak with Ranger Services.

Applications close 5:00pm Friday 25 September 2026.