FEDERAL Member for Parkes, Jamie Chaffey, encourages community groups and organisations to consider applying for National Australia Day Council funding to host an Australia Day event next year.

Each year, the National Australia Day Council offers grants for community groups, government entities and councils to support Australia Day events and encourage community participation.

The Australia Day Community Events Grant Program offers grants of $2000 or $10,000 for events that help communities reflect, respect and celebrate on Australia Day.

Applicants for the $10,000 grant can apply for an additional $5000 if their event includes significant First Nations elements.

The Grant Program will open on Wednesday, August 13 and close Monday, September 8, 2025.

Visit 2026 Australia Day Grants.

The National Australia Day Council offers funding each year to help councils, not-for-profits and community groups hold accessible and inclusive Australia Day events.

Since 2021, the Community Events Grant Program has backed more than 3000 events.

From smoking ceremonies to family fun days, citizenship ceremonies and First Nations cultural activities to multicultural festivals and backyard BBQs, Australia day provides everyone with the opportunity to reflect, respect and celebrate a proud, ancient, and multicultural nation.

Meanwhile, time is running out to nominate for the Australian of the Year Awards 2026, and Mr Chaffey is calling on the Parkes electorate to make sure outstanding community members are recognised.

“The Federal Electorate of Parkes covers more than 400,000 square-kilometres of New South Wales and includes many hard-working and dedicated people,” Mr Chaffey said.

“People are the heart of the Parkes electorate. They are what make our communities such amazing places.

“I would love to see some of those community members recognised for their contributions in the Australian of the Year Awards, and I urge people to nominate those who go above and beyond to make a difference.”

Nominations for the Australian of the Year Awards close at midnight on Thursday, 31 July, 2025.

The awards include four categories: Australian of the Year; Senior Australian of the Year; Young Australian of the Year; and Australia’s Local Hero.

Nominations can be made here: Australian of the Year Nominations.