All posts relating to grant funding and other opportunities

Nominate Today – 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards

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Wentworth Shire Council is proud to support the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, hosted by The Centre for Volunteering – one of the largest annual celebrations of volunteering in Australia.

These Awards recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals and teams across New South Wales.

There are 7 categories for the Awards. These include:

Young Volunteer of the Year24 years and under
Adult Volunteer of the Year25 to 64 years
Senior Volunteer of the Year65 years and over
Volunteer Team of the YearTwo individuals or over
Emergency Volunteer of the YearAn individual or teams volunteering in emergency prevention, preparation, response, or recovery efforts.
Volunteer Leader of the YearA designated volunteer manager, a team of volunteer managers or a registered not-for-profit organisation
Not-for-Profit Voluntary Governance AwardAn unpaid board of directors or individual board member, who exemplifies excellence in governance

The nomination form allows for two types of recognition for the volunteers of NSW. 

Nomination for Recognition  

This is the simplest way to acknowledge volunteers.  These nominations will not be judged; however, the nominee will be invited to their local regional ceremony (if their personal email address is provided, not the organisation’s or nominator’s email address).  The nominee will be presented with a certificate to acknowledge their contribution to the community.  This nomination requires you to complete four parts of the nomination form only. 

Nomination for Judging 

These nominees will be judged for the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards in their appropriate category.  This nomination requires nominators to complete six parts (parts 1 to 6), all of which must be completed to be accepted by the judging committee. To be included in Judging, the nominee’s personal email address MUST be provided (ie. not the organisation’s or nominator’s email address). If this is not provided, the nomination will be moved into the Recognition section of the Awards.

📅 Nominations close Friday 29 May 2026.

🔗 Nominate now:
https://volunteering.formstack.com/forms/vnswa26_nom_form

For full award details, nomination tips, and eligibility guidelines, visit:
🌐 https://www.volunteering.com.au/awards/about-the-awards/

📧 If your organisation is submitting more than 20 nominations, contact the Awards Team for a Bulk Nomination spreadsheet: award@volunteering.com.au

Be Prepared: Rural Aid encourages farmers to register for support

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Wentworth Shire Council is encouraging local primary producers to register with Rural Aid to ensure they are prepared for future challenges.

Rural Aid provides critical support to rural communities during times of storm, bushfire, flood, and drought. While many in the region may already be connected with the organisation, Rural Aid is urging those who are not yet registered to do so now.

Registering ahead of time ensures faster access to support for farmers and their families when disaster strikes. It also strengthens the collective voice of the farming community, allowing Rural Aid to advocate for greater assistance.

Services available to registered farmers include direct assistance, recovery programs, and mental health and wellbeing support.

To register, visit https://faa.ruralaid.org.au/ or call 1300 327 624 for more information.

Recruitment Now Open for 2026 Census Roles

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Wentworth Shire Council advises that the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has commenced recruitment for the 2026 Census, which will take place on Tuesday 11 August 2026.

The ABS is hiring over 30,000 people for temporary positions. These roles range in duration from a few weeks to six months or longer, offering flexible hours to fit your schedule.

Current Vacancies (Open Now):

  • Field Manager: Leads Census work in the local area, recruiting and training Field Officers.
  • Mobile Field Representative: Travels within the state or interstate to support field teams, distribute forms, and promote online participation.
  • Local Engagement Officer: Manages a small team and coordinates information hubs to support diverse population groups.
  • Census Engagement Manager: Works with community groups to develop positive relationships and maximise participation.

Upcoming Opportunities:

  • Remote Area Management Team Leader & Member: Opens 23 February 2026. These roles focus on managing Census collection in remote regions, including mining camps and farming properties.
  • Field Officer: Opens 20 April 2026. Field Officers deliver and collect forms and follow up with households.
  • Community Field Officer: Opens 11 May 2026. These officers engage with the local community to support people who may face barriers to completing the Census.

Key Information for Applicants:

  • Experience: More than half of the jobs available do not require any prior experience.
  • Checks: A national police check may be required. A criminal history does not necessarily exclude you from employment.
  • Support: A Recruitment Support Line is available at 1300 100 557.

How to Apply: To view full position descriptions and submit an application, please visit the Census careers page: https://info.census.abs.gov.au/careers

Have your say: Help shape the future of transport in the Far West

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Have your say: Help shape the future of transport in the Far West

Transport in the Far West is entering an important new phase. Transport for New South Wales is developing a Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) for the Far West, to be finalised in early 2026.

Before drafting the Plan, feedback is being sought from communities across the region. Whether it is daily travel, access to essential services, freight movements or connectivity to neighbouring towns — community experience is vital.

Why input matters

  • Ensures the Plan reflects real needs, challenges and opportunities in the region
  • Helps guide where infrastructure and transport services should be prioritised
  • Provides the region with a voice in shaping future transport investments

How to contribute

  1. Visit the Have Your Say – Far West portal to drop a pin on the interactive map, comment on issues, or make a formal submission.
  2. To be involved in engagement activities (such as local workshops or briefings), email: engage.sritps@transport.nsw.gov.au.
  3. Subscribe on the portal to receive updates as the Plan progresses.

Key dates and process

  • Currently: Open for submissions and community input
  • Next phases: Reviewing submissions, drafting the Plan, public exhibition, and reporting back on what was heard

Residents, businesses, community groups and service providers across Wentworth Shire and the wider Far West are encouraged to contribute. This is an important opportunity to help ensure transport networks support connectivity, economic growth and community wellbeing.

Have Your Say – Far West Transport Plan

Green Waste Disposal Vouchers

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Council’s Financial Assistance Program is open for FY25/26

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Applications for the first round of funding for the 2025/26 financial year are now open.

Community groups, school groups, charitable and not-for-profit organisations within our Shire should consider their funding requests for the 2025/26 financial year.

To be considered at the 20 August Ordinary Council Meeting, applications must be submitted to Council by 5pm, Thursday 24 July.

For further information or to apply for financial assistance, visit https://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/community/community-grants/

Event Funding Program 2025 now open

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Planning an event in Wentworth Shire? The Event Funding Program for 2025/2026 is now open.

Council is looking to support events that bring our community together and showcase our wonderful region.

Funding is available for major events (up to $30,000) and minor events (up to $5,000).

For further details, including the Event Funding Policy, Program Guidelines, and how to apply, visit the Wentworth Shire Council website: https://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/event-funding-program

Iluka Lends a Hand – Community Funding Program

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The Iluka Lends a Hand community funding program is open twice a year – in April and October.

Not-for-profits and organisations with community events, activities or projects are encouraged to apply.

For further information, view the factsheet below or visit: https://iluka.com/community-engagement/iluka-in-the-community/

Iluka-Lends-a-Hand-Information-SheetDownload

Western Region Sport and Active Recreation Transport Program

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The cost of transport to travel is a significant barrier for people living in the far west of the state to participate in sport and active recreation. The program will play an important role in supporting more active communities.

What is the Western Region Sport and Active Recreation Transport Program? 

The Western Region Sport and Active Recreation Program will provide funding assistance to community organisations in the far west region of NSW to enable them to participate in sports and active recreation.  

The sport and active recreation sector is community driven. Sport and active recreation contributes to community identity and cohesion creating more active, healthier communities.

Who can apply for assistance?

Organisations applying must be located within a Western Region Transport Program area of NSW (West of the Newell Highway). 

The eligible groups to apply include: 

  • sporting teams, clubs, and associations (junior and senior) 
  • active recreation clubs and/or associations (junior and senior) 
  • not-for-profit organisations providing sport and active recreation 
  • schools located in an eligible area.

Applications will be open on 30 January 2023.
Applications will stay open throughout the two-year pilot program.

CLICK FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Further information and feedback
For more information, please contact Donna Coady, Aboriginal Service Development Officer. 
Email: donna.coady@transport.nsw.gov.au