Redlands Coast’s village vibe will get a boost thanks to a special Redland City Council grants program to support more live entertainment, movies in the park, food and boutique markets and other community events.

It follows Council’s decision today to invest $120,000 through a new Village Events and Activation Grant.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the grants will support traders and the community in making their local village centres more vibrant and enticing.

“We are very much a community of villages here on Redlands Coast and this commitment is all about celebrating our villages and investing in local business,” Cr Williams said.

“Council has been investing heavily in our village centres, with these grants just another way of providing more fun and engaging events and activities for locals and visitors.

“They will support not-for-profit community organisations and village traders to work together to run live entertainment and movie events, specialty markets and activities that bring people together to support the community and local traders.

“The options could include pop-up events, as well as activities for young people.

“Councillors are really excited to see what our villages can come up with.”

Under the program, one grant of up to $12,000 will be available for events in 10 centres across the city – Cleveland, Capalaba, Victoria Point, Alexandra Hills, Birkdale, Redland Bay, Wellington Point, Mount Cotton, North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) and the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.

The grants, which will be available to no for profit community organisations from 28 February 2022 and close on 27 March 2022. Applicants will have until 31 December 2022 to deliver events.

Cr Williams said the grants supported the strategic objectives of Council’s corporate plan.

“We want to activate our villages and celebrate our local heritage and diverse cultures through local arts, festivals and events,” Cr Williams said.

“We want to encourage visitors and residents to get out and experience what Redlands Coast has to offer through supporting activities, events, performances and experiences that bring social, cultural and economic benefits to the community.

“These grants will go a long way to making this happen.”