A Warrnambool City Council grant helped launch the inaugural Warrnambool Filipino Fiesta, and now, organiser Florida Bridgman is encouraging anyone else looking to host an event in the city to have a go.
Applications for Council’s Festival and Events Fund, as well as the Community Development Fund, are now open.
More than $300,000 is available across the two funds, with the Festivals and Events Fund supporting events of all sizes, while the Community Development Fund supports initiatives in areas including sport and recreation, health and wellbeing, the arts, environment and sustainability, and minor capital works.
While the Filipino Community of Warrnambool Inc has existed for several years now, as President, Ms Bridgman’s long-running goal was to be able to host an event celebrating Filipino culture.
“It was my dream come true,” she said.
“Since I came to Australia 36 years ago, sometimes I felt lonely, and there were only a few Filipinos in town. Now there are more, they have jobs and families. It’s a good place to settle a family.”
The first Warrnambool Filipino Fiesta was held on March 14, 2026, and attracted about 700 people.
Ms Bridgman said that as well as bringing the local Filipino community together, the event also drew Filipino expats from further afield while giving locals the chance to enjoy Filipino culture.
“This Filipono Fiesta is the best way for everyone to get together and enjoy Filipino traditions, games and the food especially,” she said.
Ms Bridgman said she is already looking forward to the 2027 event, which will be on March 20, encouraging anyone else thinking of starting an event to get in touch with Council.
“It’s not that easy (to create a new event), but don’t be afraid,” she said.
“The Council team is fantastic to talk to from day one until the end, they are there for you.”
Warrnambool Deputy Mayor Cr Matt Walsh encouraged all community groups, clubs, artists and event organisers to look at the grant criteria and to apply for funding.
“The funding categories are wide ranging, because we know that community members are best placed to know what will have the most impact,” he said.
“These grants are all about Council helping you to help the community.
“We can help fund events, big and small. We can help fund minor capital works on facilities, we can fund community arts programs, new equipment for clubs, initiatives to help the environment, projects that bring the community together, there are so many possibilities.
“With the Community Development Fund, we’ve broadened the parameters around creative projects even more this year to give local artists and community groups more ways to bring their ideas to life, and the Health and Wellbeing category is a brand-new one which could support projects that build social connection, improve mental wellbeing and reduce harm.
“We had a very strong turnout at our grant information night last week, but if you weren’t able toattend, don’t worry. Our team is still here to help you.”
Find out more about the Community Development Fund and the Festivals and Events Fund at www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au.
You can also call 5559 4800 or email contact@warrnambool.vic.gov.au and a member of the relevant team will be able to assist you.
