Community Event Development Fund
Community events are an important factor in contributing to our cultural identity. They reflect our values, our history, our sense of place and provide a platform for our community to connect and come together.
This funding program will focus on events that create social outcomes for the Port Stephens community. Applications will be assessed on how they bring people together to celebrate, learn, share experiences and grow new opportunities.
This fund will not just provide financial support but also strategic support to help community events grow, become self-funding and sustainable.
Community events could include:
- Community festivals
- Community cultural and/or historical celebrations
- Community film nights
- Community Christmas carols.
Key dates
Applications accepted year-round from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027 or until funds are exhausted.
Funding available
A total of $50,000 is available, with up to $3,000 maximum per application.
In-kind support may also be provided for projects based on needs and opportunities identified in the assessment process.
Who can apply?
- incorporated, not-for-profit organisations or charities
- registered businesses with an ABN
- schools
If you are an unincorporated community group or volunteers, you must be auspiced by a not-for-profit that is eligible to apply in their own right and that is relevant to the sector and can support the development of the proposal.
How to apply
Read the Funding guidelines for full details about applying for a grant with Port Stephens council. Give our team a call to discuss your project on 02 4988 0255 or email pscgrants@portstephens.nsw.gov.au
Past recipients
Community Event Development Fund 2026/2027
| Recipients | Project | Project description |
|---|---|---|
| Moonshadow | The Human Whale 2026 | A free, family-friendly community event, The Human Whale strengthens social connection while reinforcing Port Stephens’ reputation as a welcoming, environmentally conscious destination that values nature, community spirit, and shared coastal experiences. |
| Tilligerry Community Association Inc | Lemon Jam | Lemon Jam’s are vibrant not-for-profit events held over the course of the year. . The event aims to bring together the Tilligerry Peninsula and wider Port Stephens community for an afternoon of connection, celebration, and fun. |
| Kim Mackenzie | Port Stephens In Print | Port Stephens in Print 2026 is a community photography exhibition and competition celebrating the beauty, creativity and unique stories of the Port Stephens region. |
| Raymond Terrace Community Church | Illumination Station | This community event will allow the Raymond Terrace community to bring their kids in the January School Holidays to participate in fun activities, craft, cooking, dancing, and singing. |
| MoonDance Management | Community Family Barn Dance | The Community Barn Dance will feature a live band consisting of Port Stephens-based musicians plus a local support act. The event features dances accessible to all ages and experience levels, making it fully inclusive for local community members. |
| Karuah Progress Association Inc | Carols in Longworth Park | A community event with a choir and band singing carols for the local community. |
| Raymond Terrace Bowling Club | Lighting of the Christmas Tree | The Lighting of the Christmas Tree has become a much-loved community event that celebrates the spirit of Christmas while bringing together people of all ages from across the Port Stephens region. |
Community Event Development Fund 2025/2026
| Recipient | Project | Project description |
|---|---|---|
| Raymond Terrace District Cricket Club | Schools Cricket Gala Day | A cricket schools gala day in collaboration with Cricket NSW. |
| UP&UP Inspirations | Paint Your Park - Medowie | Local young people will team up with professional street artists and youth mentors to refresh and decorate their skate park with bold, creative artwork that reflects their identity and community pride. |
| Raymond Terrace RSL Sub-Branch | Raymond Terrace Remembrance Day Service & War Memorial Centennial | Annual Raymond Terrace Remembrance Day service in ANZAC Park. This year the service will include a special component to commemorate the centennial of the Raymond Terrace War Memorial. |
| Lions Club of Raymond Terrace Inc | Seaham Carols 2025 | A free Christmas Carol event for residents of Seaham and Raymond Terrace. |
| Riot FM 87.6 | Riot FM 10 Year Anniversary – Live Music Showcase | A free, all-ages live music showcase celebrating a decade of independent broadcasting and supporting the Port Stephens music community. |
| Tilligerry Community Association | LEMON JAM - Music In The Park | Family friendly community event showcasing local live music in the park. |
| Hope unlimited church | Carols at the Bay | A local celebration of Christmas including performances from local performing arts students, schools and community groups along with professional entertainment. |
| Elaria Events Pty Ltd | Medowie Community Carols | Community Christmas Carols |
| Goldthor Hotels Pty Ltd | Bullarama 2025 | Annual side show/ bull riding events. |
| Wahroonga Aboriginal Corporation Raymond Terrace | Wahroonga's Bush Christmas 2025 | In partnership with Yirrimarra Foundation Sydney, donated toys and Lego will be given out to vulnerable families and youth who are finding it tough this Christmas. |
| Port Stephens Community Arts Centre Incorporated | Port Stephens Art Prize 2027 – A National Celebration of Creativity | A nationally open art exhibition running from 5–14 March 2027, showcasing up to 400 artworks from artists across Australia. |
| Port Stephens Events Inc | Port Stephens Winter Festival 2026 | The festival includes many activities, including: Family Fun Night in Apex Park, Tasters Trails, a scavenger hunt, high teas, the original Tea Gardens ferry history cruise with John Stinker Clarke and a Moonshadow Sunset Cruise. |
| Port Stephens Family History Society Incorporated | Launch of Henry F Halloran Soundtrail | Participants will be guided to experience the 1.3 km Soundtrail along the Ave of the Allies to Diggers Park & finish in Peace Park. |
| Lions Club of Medowie INC | Annual Art & Craft Show | Growing Medowie Lions Art & Craft Show into a respected and valued event within the local community. |
| Tomaree Museum Association | Tomaree Museum Shipwrecks Exhibition | The museum will showcase the history of shipwrecks in the Port Stephens immediate area, from Forster to Stockton. |
| Karuah Oyster & Timber Festival Incorporated | Karuah Oyster &Timber Festival | A family-friendly community event celebrating the rich oyster farming and timber heritage of Karuah. |
| MOONSHADOW TQC PTY LTD | Human Whale 2026 | An annual community event organised by the local whale watching industry, put on to pay homage to the annual whale migration that occurs along the 'Humpback Highway' between May and November every year. |