Community Projects across Byron Shire receive Funding Boost
Christmas Cheer in the Bay
From a skateboarding mentorship to rainforest restoration, bush dancing and accessible beach equipment, 18 community projects will share in Byron Shire Council grants.
Byron Shire Council has awarded more than $57,000 to 18 local projects supporting arts, inclusion, wellbeing, the environment and community connection.
The projects range from a disability-led artist training program and a youth theatre production to rainforest restoration, a community bush dance and workshops turning donated textiles into art. Grants will support activities and purchases across the Shire, with projects to be delivered by June 2027.
“This year we are proud to be funding everything from a skateboarding mentorship program and Byron Youth Theatre project to inspiring Landcare and environmental projects, to a new ‘Spinderella’ sewing program, a Bush Dance for Wilsons Creek and much more,” Byron Shire Council Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye said.
“At the centre of each of the 18 successful projects is the desire to enrich the lives of community members and to help foster participation, better access, inclusion, and social connection.
The projects highlight the commitment, energy and generosity of local organisations and their volunteers whose work helps to enhance wellbeing and create positive outcomes across the Shire.
Small grants can go a long way in making a difference and Council is proud to invest in innovative and grass-roots projects that community members want to leave the house for and want to get involved in.”
The funded projects include:
Sprung Ensemble Training – Sprung ($3,073): Weekly ensemble training for a disability-led program supporting Deaf and disabled artists.
Camphor to Rainforest Conversion Stage 3 – Federal Landcare Group Inc ($4,500): Converting a Crown land site to rainforest.
Roots of Resilience – The Elder Tree ($3,500): Herbal education for women, with practical skills in natural health, self-care and everyday resilience.
Are You For Real? – Byron Youth Theatre Company ($3,500): An original production inspired by Romeo and Juliet, exploring adolescence, stereotypes and healthy relationships.
Christmas Under the Stars 2026 ($3,500): A contribution towards installing icicle lighting at the Railway Cottage and Railway Park.
Grounded Together – Regional Vitality Network ($3,800): A community education gathering for farmers, young farmers, growers, food makers and land stewards.
Brunswick Heads Surf Life Saving Club ($4,500): Replacing two ageing defibrillators.
Storytime – Bangalow Byron Uniting Church ($2,605): A structured play space where families with children can share songs and stories.
Tree Farmer – Subtropical Farm Forestry Association ($3,000): A regional forum connecting Byron Shire and North Coast farmers, landholders, local enterprise and investors around the localisation of Nature Repair markets.
Resilient Roots – SEED Northern Rivers ($3,000): Establishing a regional mother-stock garden to conserve, propagate and distribute climate-resilient food plants.
Our Timeless Threads ($2,000): Sustainable art workshops bringing people of all ages together to create art from donated textiles.
HIYA 2479 – Bangalow Lions Club ($1,000): Food vouchers and pantry food for people sleeping rough around Bangalow.
Spinning Together Spinderellas ($2,900): Creative workshops to prepare and present free performances at Byron Shire community events.
Wilsons Creek Valley Bush Dance – Wilsons Creek, Huonbrook and Wanganui Community Association ($3,600): A community bush dance.
Waves Without Limits – Rotary Club of Mullumbimby ($5,000): A short instructional film showing how people can access and use the accessible beach equipment at Torakina Beach.
Let Our Voices Be Heard – Realising Every Dream (RED) Ltd ($2,260): Performance, instruments and singing opportunities for participants with disability.
Common Ground – Skateboarding Mentorship – Byron Skate School ($3,000): Mentoring, free skate lessons and social activities for participants.
Haus of Armour ($3,250): A fashion styling studio using dress as a therapeutic tool to support women who have experienced trauma and abuse.
More information about the Community Initiatives Program is available on Byron Shire Council’s website.