The National Australia Day Council (NADC), with the support of the Federal Government, provides funding each year to community groups and councils to encourage local participation in Australia Day activities.
These grants support inclusive events that allow communities to unite and reflect, respect, and celebrate their place in a proud, ancient, and multicultural nation that values all citizens.
A key aspect of the grants is encouraging collaboration with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. These partnerships help acknowledge Australia’s rich history and the deep connection to Country that First Nations people hold.
Since 2021, the NADC’s Australia Day Community Events Grant Program has helped deliver over 1,500 community events across the nation. These events have included Welcomes to Country, citizenship ceremonies, multicultural festivals, and morning teas.
The goal is to promote the national theme of “Reflect. Respect. Celebrate.”
The Australia Day 2025 Community Events Grant Program continues this tradition, offering $10,000 (GST exclusive) to eligible event organisers to ensure inclusive Australia Day events. An additional $5,000 (GST exclusive) is available for events that incorporate significant Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander elements.
Local, state, and territory government entities, along with Australian not-for-profit organisations, are encouraged to apply. Events should be inclusive of all Australians, including people with disabilities.
The NADC particularly encourages applicants to collaborate with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to create meaningful Australia Day events that honour Australia’s full history and the strong connection First Nations people have to the land.
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