After two years of COVID-19 impacted events for the traditionally summer festival, the event was held over two weekends in April this year.
At least 6000 people attended each of the two-day festivals, and a percentage from each ticket sold went straight into a community fund.
The event’s organisers say it has resulted in $35,000 in grants being donated to Berrigan Shire as part of the annual community grants scheme.
Strawberry Fields director Tara Medina said any existing organisation, club, school, group or association in the shire can apply for a grant to support local initiatives and community economic development.
“After a two year hiatus due to COVID, we are so rapt to be bringing back the grants program to Berrigan Shire and sharing the benefits of the festival with as many locals as possible,” she said.
“These grants are intended to provide a much needed boost to smaller, grassroots community organisations, in particular, who often fall through the cracks when it comes to government funding and don’t necessarily have the resources to coordinate regular fundraising.”
Applications will be judged on set criteria, which includes how many people the project will benefit, the amount of detail provided on the application and the organisation’s reach.
Since the community grants program was established in 2015, more than $100,000 has been reinvested into the community from funds raised by ticket sales and events put on by Strawberry Fields.
Past grants have supported a variety of organisations and projects such as local footy clubs, sustainability projects and local health organisations.
Applications are open until July 31.
To learn more, or to apply, go to www.strawberry-fields.com.au/community-grants.