Grants in Action
Through a perpetual corpus model, donated funds are invested to generate ongoing income for annual grants.
This ensures a permanent funding source for community initiatives across Brooklyn, Altona North, Altona, Seaholme, Laverton, Newport, Altona Meadows, Spotswood, and Williamstown.
Since 2006, the Community Fund has distributed over 200 grants and more than $800,000 to support projects and programs in Hobsons Bay.
2026 Grants
Each year, the Hobsons Bay Community Fund selects projects and programs to back the people and local organisations working directly within Hobsons Bay.
The 2026 grants have funded 15 community initiatives across our suburbs. Grounded in local knowledge, these projects focus on education, health and wellbeing, heritage preservation, and social inclusion. From creating accessible places to gather and share skills to offering practical support that eases isolation, each initiative reflects a shared commitment to building a connected, inclusive community in Hobsons Bay.
As a perpetual fund, our support is designed for the long term. By investing in local leadership and working alongside community partners, we help ensure these grassroots ideas continue to strengthen Hobsons Bay now and into the future.
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Empowering young people across Hobsons Bay by removing financial barriers to secondary and tertiary education. Funding covers study essentials like books and laptops, supporting continuous learning and improving long-term education outcomes.
Read more about Western Chances -
A 13-week facilitated art therapy program offering people living with dementia and their carers a safe, welcoming space for creative expression. These sessions foster emotional connection, peer support, and ongoing wellbeing across our local community.
Read more about Western Soaring Falcons Dementia Alliance -
Creating a community garden and planter project at the miniature railway site. Volunteer-led planting and care bring local residents together, nurturing green spaces, supporting mental health, and building local relationships.
Read more about Altona Miniature Railway Inc -
Providing free after-school music education through the Crashendo program. Young people access orchestra training, rehearsals, and local performance opportunities, building creative confidence in an inclusive setting.
Read more about this organisation -
Strengthening community safety through local events, multilingual resources, and outreach. The program fosters trust and equips residents across Hobsons Bay with practical crime prevention awareness.
Read more about Hobsons Bay Neighbourhood Watch -
Restoring a heritage rail motor while passing down practical skills. Grant support covers custom drivetrain fabrication and mechanical repairs, returning the train to service for public heritage tours and offering hands-on volunteer training.
Learn more about DERMPAV -
A choice-based pop-up event offering refugees and asylum seekers essential household items and direct connections to local services, ensuring new arrivals feel welcomed and supported in Hobsons Bay.
Learn more about Welcome West Wagon -
A weekly gentle movement and dance program for local women, combining gentle exercise, music, and social time to boost physical wellbeing and build lasting local friendships.
- Read more about this grant.
- Learn more about Walker Close Community Centre -
Two community garden open days featuring hands-on workshops in food growing, sustainability, and pollinator care. Neighbors gather to share knowledge and foster long-term environmental stewardship of a shared local space.
Learn more about Newport Community Garden -
A weekly drop-in space where older residents and migrants build digital confidence with peer support. Participants work through practical online tasks on their own devices, reducing isolation and building confidence.
Learn more about the Williamstown Community and Education Centre -
"Coffee, Craft & Connection" gatherings designed to reduce social isolation among local women. Simple craft activities offer an approachable setting for conversation and strong support networks.
Learn more about the South Kingsville Community Centre -
Hosting a local heat of the Wynspeak public speaking competition at Altona Theatre, giving local secondary students a platform to develop confidence and leadership skills.
Learn more about Rotary Club of Altona City -
An interactive community jazz improvisation workshop at the Newport Jazz Festival. Locals participate in accessible group music-making, celebrating creativity in a low-pressure environment.
Learn more about the Newport Jazz Festival -
Purchasing a scroll saw to make the workshop accessible for older members and residents living with disabilities, encouraging inclusive participation and skill-sharing.
Learn more about the Altona Woodworkers Club -
Supporting the ongoing restoration of local railway workshop heritage, giving volunteers a shared sense of purpose, active skill-building, and strong community connection.
Learn more about the Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed
Featured Grants in Action
Our Grant Archive
The Hobsons Bay Community Fund has been investing in local community strength since 2006. Browse through past grant rounds to explore the organisations and projects supported over time.

