General News
13 January, 2026
Grants support local events
Mount Alexander Shire Council (MASC) has backed regional arts and entertainment in their first round of Events Grants for 2026.
Round one of the shire’s funding has been released, with 16 groups receiving grants to support and deliver events across the region that foster connection and community.
The program aims to assist local groups and organisations with support from the shire, including venue hire, equipment hire and marketing.
Live in Baringhup was one of this year’s successful recipients, receiving $1000 towards the town’s one day festival hosted in Baringhup Hall.
Just weeks before the return of Newstead’s annual folk festival, Newstead Live has also been awarded $2000.
MASC mayor Toby Heydon said the shire is delighted to continue backing community-led events through its grants program.
“It’s always a pleasure to see the creativity and passion in the applications we receive,” he said.
“These events play such an important role in bringing people together. They attract visitors, strengthen local connections and offer opportunities for residents to try something new and enjoy memorable experiences.
“Congratulations to all recipients, I can’t wait to see these events unfold across our shire in the year ahead.”
This round of funding comes as Newstead Live prepares for their 20th anniversary.
The festival’s director, Kelly Skinner, said the shire’s funding is always “critical” to ensure the event can take place.
“It’s critical, we couldn’t do the festival without it,” she said.
“It’s not just the event, it’s the management of things, permits, licencing we need, health and safety, emergency and planning, it’s a really thorough event application process, and it goes on for months and months and months.”
The festival’s extensive program consists of themed concerts, exploring the history of folk roots and music, as well as showcasing the work of local artists
“Musicians playing in the streets and in the pubs are a critical part of the festival ... it’s a pretty strong community in that way,” Ms Skinner said.
She said the festival is also the result of a town-wide collaboration, with expansive effort ensuring money gets put back into the community.
“There are 95 volunteers, and that doesn’t include the ones on the committee all year, not to mention I just second anyone I need,” Ms Skinner said.
“The sports clubs even help us, the recreation committee runs the camping at the oval, the cricket club does the logistics, and the football netball club does the catering, and they get more than $10,000.
“We put about $40,000 worth back into the community.”
Newstead Live will return from Friday, January 23 until Monday, January 26, 2026.
Round two of MASC’s event grants will open in February 2026.