Inner West Council awarded $790K in grants for arts, environment, and inclusion projects, with new business grants expanding to $350K by 2026–27.

Inner West Council has awarded $790,113 in community grants for 2025 to support arts, environment, wellbeing, inclusion, and sustainability projects, including digital arts, upcycling workshops, and disability programs. A new business grant category received $180,000, with plans to expand to $350,000 by 2026–27, requiring diversity commitments. The funding round drew 229 applications seeking over $2 million, with projects assessed by external reviewers. Second-year funding continues for 2024 recipients. Meanwhile, the City of Melbourne is forming a 10-member Community Reference Group for the Victoria Street Precinct revitalisation, seeking residents, business owners, and stakeholders from Abbotsford and Richmond to guide improvements in accessibility, vibrancy, and sustainability. Applications are open.