Placemaking Fund – Improving towns and main streets

This is a preview of the Placemaking Fund 2026/2027 Application Form form. You will be able to start a submission when the round opens at 9:00AM 1 July 2026 (AEST)
 

Placemaking Fund - Improving towns and main streets

Purpose

This fund focuses on supporting businesses and community organisations to make town centres and main streets across Port Stephens Council to feel welcoming and inspiring. This fund is about finding quick wins that improve the identity of our streetscapes and encourage people to visit, stay and return.

Placemaking is about creating spaces that feel alive, connected and welcoming. It invites us to reimagine and reinvent public spaces in ways that foster social connection, community pride, and a stronger sense of belonging.

Key Dates

Applications accepted from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027 or until funds are exhausted

Funding Available

  • Maximum per application is $3,000 plus GST (if registered)
  • A total of $15,000 is available for the financial year.
  • You can only apply for one project per financial year.

Before applying please make sure you have read and can follow our Placemaking Guidelines and Placemaking Policy.

Who Can Apply

-Incorporated, not-for-profit organisations or charities

-Registered Businesses with an ABN

-Schools wanting to improve a community space.

If you are an unincorporated community group or volunteers, you must be auspiced by a not-for-profit that is eligible to apply in their own right, prior to submitting your application, and that is relevant to the sector and can support the development of the proposal.

What can I apply for?

The Placemaking Fund is primarily designed to help with (but not limited to)

  • Shopfront improvements e.g. seating, pot plants, or awnings
  • Upgrading streets appeal e.g. parklets, gardens, creative lighting
  • Public Art in main streets E.g. murals, footpath activation
  • Seasonal decorations

For more information on eligibility and assessment for this fund, and for further information for all our grant and sponsorship funds, please refer to our Community Funding Guidelines located on our website.