Finance Policy Committee - 5 May 2026 6:00 PM

Topics

• Council approves $7,500 for three community events and clubs
  Committee backed three separate community funding requests at $2,500 each, including a club equipment purchase and two events.
  Shows direct council spending on local community activity and cultural programming.
• Funding policy question arises over reduced grant amount
  Councillors queried why an applicant sought $3,030 in kind support but was only funded $2,500 after staff said the request did not meet policy requirements.
  Highlights how council applies its grant policy and may affect future applicants.

Decisions

• Donation to Orange Lapidary and Mineral Club
  Council approved a $2,500 donation to Orange Lapidary and Mineral Club Inc to help purchase and install two professional faceting machines, contributing towards a $19,900 project.
  Supports a local community group and equipment purchase that may benefit club activities and skills-based recreation.
• Funding for A Centenary of Song event
  Council approved $2,500 for A Centenary of Song. Honour the Past. Herald the Future, to be held on 7 November 2026.
  Provides direct funding for a local cultural event that residents may attend or participate in.
• Funding for ALIBI Awards Night
  Council approved $2,500 for the 2026 ALIBI Awards Night on 24 October 2026.
  Supports a local awards event and associated community or business recognition activities.

Discussion

• Seriatim vote on A Centenary of Song application
  The committee agreed to hear and vote on the item in seriatim before approving funding for the event.
  Shows the committee considered the application item by item rather than as a block decision.
• Difference between requested in-kind support and approved cash funding
  Councillors asked why one application sought $3,030 in kind support, and staff advised the request did not meet policy requirements, so the chamber instead funded it at $2,500.
  Explains how council applied its funding policy and why the amount approved was lower than the original request.

Impacts

• Local clubs and event organisers received a combined $7,500 in council funding.
• Residents may see support for community events, cultural programming and awards activities later in 2026.
• The decision shows council may substitute a lower funding amount when an application does not meet policy requirements.

Places

• Orange (town)
  Meeting and funded community activities are based in Orange.

Next

• Council to provide the approved funding to Orange Lapidary and Mineral Club Inc
  After the resolution of 5 May 2026
• Council to provide the approved funding for A Centenary of Song
  Ahead of the 7 November 2026 event
• Council to provide the approved funding for the 2026 ALIBI Awards Night
  Ahead of the 24 October 2026 event

Extract

MINUTES OF THE FINANCE POLICY COMMITTEE HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBER, CIVIC CENTRE, BYNG STREET, ORANGE ON 5 MAY 2026 COMMENCING AT 6:36 PM 1 INTRODUCTION ATTENDANCE Cr S Peterson (Chairperson), Cr T Mileto (Mayor), Cr T Greenhalgh (Deputy Mayor), Cr K Duffy, Cr G Judge, Cr F Kinghorne, Cr D Mallard, Cr M McDonell, Cr G Power, Cr M Ruddy, Cr J Stedman, Cr J Whitton Chief Executive Officer, Director Corporate & Commercial Services, Director Development Services, Director Community, Recreation & Cultural Services, Director Infrastructure, Manager Corporate Governance, Manager Waste Services & Technical Support, Manager Community Services, Manager Communications & Engagement, Legal & Property Offic...