Local Legends Recognition Fund Information Sessions
Next date: Monday, 16 March 2026 | 01:00 PM
to 02:00 PM
Local People. Legendary Impact.
Are you a local organisation or not-for-profit (NFP) using volunteers?
The Local Legends Recognition Fund provides small grants to support volunteer recognition activities during National Volunteers Week (18-24 May).
Public Information Sessions are being held throughout the region
Gladstone
Maxine Brushe Hall, Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct,
1 Pengelly Street, West Gladstone 4680 View Map
- 1pm - 2pm - Monday 16 March, 2026
- 6pm - 7pm - Wednesday 18 March, 2026
Calliope
Calliope Community Centre,
3 Don Cameron Drive, Calliope 4680 View Map
- 1pm - 2pm - Tuesday 17 March, 2026
Agnes Water
Agnes Water Community Centre,
71 Springs Road, Agnes Water 4677 View Map
- 10am - 11am - Friday 20 March, 2026.
Online Registrations to attend an information session open on Wednesday, 4 March 2026.
General information
The Local Legends Recognition Fund is designed to enable community and volunteer groups to celebrate National Volunteer Week in a manner that reflects their local context and needs. The program provides small-scale funding to support a variety of volunteer recognition activities, including afternoon teas, certificates of appreciation, award presentations, and other forms of gratitude.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a local volunteer involving organisation, and or not-for-profit based in the Gladstone Region.;
- Must propose an activity that recognises or celebrates your current volunteers (eg pizza party, BBQ Celebrations, morning tea). No alcohol permitted.
- Must hold a public liability insurance certificate of currency
- Must be able to provide official bank account details to receive funding.
- Priority may be given to ensure a diverse spread of events across the region.
Funding available
- Under 10 Volunteers - $100
- 10 - 25 Volunteers - $200
- Over 25 Volunteers - $300
Important: Submission of an Expression of Interest does not guarantee sponsorship. Applications will be assessed based on eligibility, alignment with program objectives, and overall geographic and event-type diversity. Council reserves the right to accept or decline applications at its discretion.
How to apply
Online Expression of Interest applications open Monday, 23 March 2026, and close Sunday, 19 April 2026.
FAQ's
What is the Local Legends Recognition Fund?
The fund provides small, flexible grants for not-for-profit organisations to recognise and celebrate their volunteers ahead of National Volunteer Week 2026.
Who can apply?
Any not-for-profit organisation with a certificate of currency and organisational bank account in the Gladstone region that engages volunteers.
What can the funding be used for?
Grants can fund volunteer recognition activities such as afternoon teas, awards, thank you gifts, certificates, storytelling projects, or other initiatives that acknowledge volunteers’ contributions.
What can’t the funding be used for?
The following expenses are not eligible within the Local Legends Recognition Fund:
- Items purchased prior to funding approval.
- Management of day-to-day operating expenses (e.g., electricity bills, rates, insurance, lawn maintenance etc.).
- Prizes or Prize money.
- Sanctioning fees (ie insurance, taxes, registrations).
- Alcohol.
- Ongoing salary costs (day to day staff costs).
- Administration expenses/sundries (day to day expenses).
- Projects or events that:
- Exclude or disadvantage other users;
- Have already been undertaken or commenced;
- Could present a hazard to the community or environment
- Do not align with the intent of the fund objectives.
- Contravene any laws including local laws
Contact Council to seek further clarification or feedback around your ideas and how they could align to the Fund Objectives.
When can we apply?
Applications open Monday, 23 March, 2026 and close Sunday, 19 April 2026.
How much funding is available?
Micro-grants are small-scale and accessible, designed to support meaningful volunteer recognition rather than large-scale events. $100 to $300 depending on number of volunteers.
How will applications be assessed?
Council will use clear, transparent criteria, focusing on the benefit to volunteers and the community, with priority for initiatives that celebrate local pride.
Can individuals apply?
No - the grants are for organisations that manage volunteers. Individuals can participate in recognition activities organised by eligible groups.
Is this replacing National Volunteer Week celebrations?
The Local Legends program will headline our National Volunteer Week celebrations. It provides flexibility for organisations to recognise volunteers in ways that suit their needs.
Why is Council doing this?
Recognising volunteers strengthens community connections, supports retention, and encourages more people to get involved in volunteering.
How will we receive our funding if successful?
Funds will be paid into the nominated bank account.
When
-
Monday, 16 March 2026 | 01:00 PM
- 02:00 PM
-
Tuesday, 17 March 2026 | 01:00 PM
- 02:00 PM
-
Wednesday, 18 March 2026 | 06:00 PM
- 07:00 PM
-
Friday, 20 March 2026 | 10:00 AM
- 11:00 AM