Announcing the 2025–2026 Regional Events Grants Recipients
This year marks a significant milestone for the Regional Events Grants Program. We received a record-tying 59 applications—an inspiring show of interest and community initiative.
We are especially pleased to see strong engagement from Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs), whose contributions have added great cultural depth to the program.
For the first time, the majority of our supported events are cultural, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of cultural celebration and connection across the region.
Below is the list of successful applicants for the 2025–2026 funding round:
| REG | Event Name | Zone Office | Date of Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Koori Kids NAIDOC Week School Initiatives 2025. | NSW Wide | NAIDOC Week 25 |
| 2 | NAIDOC Family Fun Day Event 2025 / Awabakal LALC | EZ | 07-Jul-25 |
| 3 | Darkinjung LALC NAIDOC Day 2025 | EZ | 09-Jul-25 |
| 4 | Port Macquarie Hastings community weeklong NAIDOC event / Bearlay Aboriginal Interagency Group – Werin Aboriginal Medical Service | NZ | 10-Jul-25 |
| 5 | Mogodha NAIDOC Big Day Out 2025 / Mogo LALC | SZ | 12-Jul-25 |
| 6 | The next generation Jigamy NAIDOC schools cultural experience / Eden LALC | SZ | 23-25 Jul 25 |
| 7 | AFL NSW-ACT NAIDOC  Gala Day | EZ | 31-Jul-25 |
| 8 | Winter on the Wambuul cultural event / Bathurst LALC | SZ | 22-Aug-25 |
| 9 | Lismore Aboriginal KO / Northern United RLFC | NZ | 18-Sep-25 |
| 10 | Blacktown Red Belly Warriors KO 2025 | EZ | 20-Sep-25 |
| 11 | Kangaroo Festival / Casino Boolangle LALC | NZ | 25-Oct-25 |
| 12 | Barlings Beach Cultural Event/Boomerang Meeting Place | SZ | 31-Oct-25 |
| 13 | Greater Western Sydney Aboriginal Golf Championships / Diz Footprints Aboriginal Learning Centre | EZ | 31-Oct-25 |
| 14 | Gamilaraay Spirit / Yuluwirri Maayirr Rural Education Through Art Corporation | WZ | 16-Nov-25 |
| 15 | Giiyong Festival / Twofold Aboriginal Corporation | SZ | 22-Nov-25 |
| 16 | Wahluu RL KO/Country King Browns RLFC | SZ | 30-Nov-25 |
| 17 | NSW Aboriginal Bowls Carnival 2026 / Moree  LALC | WZ | 23-Jan-26 |
| 18 | Strong in Culture Loud in Beats / Wellington LALC | WZ | 26-Jan-26 |
| 19 | Guurunbirra Marambul /Jindera Football & Netball Club | SZ | 28-Feb-26 |
| 20 | RL KO / Barwon United Swans RLFC | WZ | 04-Apr-26 |
| 21 | Baiames Ngunnhu Festival / Moogahlin Performing Arts | WZ | 10-Apr-26 |
| 22 | Collarenebri Cultural Sports Carnival 2026 / Colly Connected Indigenous Corporation | WZ | 07-Jun-26 |
The NSWALC Regional Events Grants Program
Encouraging current and future generations of Aboriginal communities to participate in sporting and cultural activities is essential for fostering a sense of belonging, pride and identity. These activities provide a platform for our people to connect with each other, their heritage, strengthen their cultural ties and showcase their unique traditions and skills.
The NSWALC Regional Events Grants is a program that provides grants for organisations and events that have Aboriginal participation and are of state-wide significance for Aboriginal peoples in NSW.
The events chosen must support and promote Aboriginal culture and/or sporting achievement. Activities that do not meet these purposes will not be funded under the Regional Event Grants component. The maximum grant available is capped at $25,000 per applicant per year.
The NSWALC Regional Events Grants Policy & Procedure outlines what grants can be used for, and on what basis grant applications will be assessed. Click below to read or download the Policy & Procedures.