Council
14 November, 2025
Funding boost for creative projects
MOYNE Shire Council has awarded $24,000 in funding to six local creative projects through the inaugural round of its Creative Change Grants Program.
The new initiative aims to strengthen the shire’s creative ecology by supporting artists, collectives and local organisations to deliver projects that foster innovation, collaboration and community connection.
Council allocated $15,000 to launch the program in 2025/26 and successfully leveraged an additional $9,000 co-contribution from the Fletcher Jones Family Foundation (FJFF), allowing more projects to be supported.
Mayor Cr Karen Foster said the response to the first round showed the depth of talent and ambition within Moyne’s creative community.
“We were thrilled to see such strong interest in this inaugural round - it’s clear that creativity is thriving right across Moyne,” Cr Foster said.
“Through this partnership with the FJFF, council has been able to double the number of projects funded under the program.
“These initiatives will activate spaces, tell local stories, and provide valuable professional development opportunities for local artists.”
Cr Foster believes the partnership highlighted the power of collaboration in boosting local projects and celebrating creativity across the shire.
The program received 13 eligible applications, seeking more than $55,000 in total funding; almost four times the council’s available budget for 2025/2026.
Projects ranged from visual arts and storytelling to writing mentorships and a creative collective.
The six successful applications reflect the diversity of creative practice across the shire and the strong demand for opportunities to experiment, collaborate and grow.
“Investing in creativity isn’t just about art, it’s about connection, identity and economic opportunity,” Cr Foster said.
“The Creative Change Grants will help spark new ideas, build capacity and showcase the incredible talent we have here in Moyne.”
Lisa McLeod, executive officer at the Fletcher Jones Family Foundation, said these grants would help local people turn creative ideas into community change.
“Our foundation and council both back projects that celebrate local stories, build skills, and strengthen connections,” Ms McLeod said.
“Moyne supports creative projects that bring life to public spaces, while Fletcher Jones funding helps those ideas grow and create lasting social impact across the region.
“By co-funding projects, the partnership leverages available resources and maximises outcomes through collaboration and shared value.”
Council will continue to monitor outcomes from this first round to inform future program delivery and funding levels, ensuring ongoing support for the shire’s growing creative sector.
The six successful projects in this latest round of funding were:
Shelley Knoll Miller (graphic recording) - $4,000.
Koroit-Tower Hill Stories from a Volcano and the Belfast Coast (applicant Mike Raetz, auspiced by Port Fairy Tourist Association) – $5,000.
Port Fairy Literary Weekend (new mentorship initiative) - $4,500.
Village Life (applicant Greg Pritchard) - $3,000.
Koroit Theatre, Volcanic Visual Arts Exhibition (applicant Edwina Palmer) – $2,500.
Mortlake Creative Collective Pilot - $5,000.
