Peak Hill sisters Cathy Bendall (left) and Sue van der Reyden took part in the flower arranging workshop using native flowers. The Peak Hill PA&H Association received funding in 2025 to deliver Crafting Connections workshops before the Peak Hill Show.
Local community groups and organisations are being encouraged to turn their creative ideas into reality, with applications opening for Parkes Shire Council’s 2026 Cultural Grants Program on Wednesday, 1 April 2026.
The annual program provides financial support to initiatives that enrich the cultural life of the Parkes Shire – whether through art, music, workshops or community events.
Grants of $2,000 or more are available, with a total funding pool of $10,000 to support projects that bring people together and celebrate local creativity. Applications close at 5pm on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, and successful applicants will be announced at the Council Meeting on 16 June 2026.
The program has already helped deliver a range of successful local projects. In 2025, funding supported Parkes Community Arts to expand the popular Who Is Parkes project with additional large-scale images across Parkes and surrounding townships.
The Peak Hill PA&H Association also received funding to deliver Crafting Connections workshops before the Peak Hill Show, featuring hands-on activities such as flower arranging, macramé, cheese making and Viking knit jewellery.
Secretary of the Peak Hill Show Committee in 2025, Stephanie Williams, said the grant made a meaningful difference to community participation.
“We held four workshops prior to the 120th Peak Hill Show funded by the grant.
The workshops helped to bolster our already phenomenal pavilion. We managed to attract participants who would normally not have showcased items in the pavilion,” Ms Williams said.
Community groups are encouraged to start planning now and take advantage of the support available.
To learn more or apply, visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Community/Grants-and-funding/Councils-Grants-Programs or contact Council’s Cultural, Education and Library Services team on (02) 6861 2338.
For assistance with preparing your application, Council’s Grants Team is also available at grants@parkes.nsw.gov.au.