Grapes of Mirth returns to Coonawarra in March

Merrick Watts set to MC the popular festival

Australia’s pre-eminent comedy and wine festival, Grapes of Mirth, is back at Penley Estate next month.

This is the fifth time Grapes of Mirth have brought their touring event to Coonawarra and as always, they are bringing with them an incredible line-up of Australia’s funniest people.

Headlining in Coonawarra for the first time is Australian comedy icon Dave Hughes. Finding a spare day in Hughesy’s calendar is no easy task, so Grapes of Mirth are thrilled to finally be bringing him with them.

Also gracing the main stage are Triple J host Michael Hing, winner of the best show award at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Geraldine Hickey, one of the busiest (and funniest) women in Australian showbusiness Lizzy Hoo, and Prue Blake, a comedian who has set the comedy scene alight since winning national comedy competition Raw Comedy in 2021. MCing proceedings, is Grapes of Mirth founder and Head Clown Merrick Watts, who says his annual trip to Coonawarra is always among his year’s highlights “It’s no secret this is one of my favourite gigs but for the first time in a couple of years we’ve got a clear runway with no pesky pandemics to joke block! BRING IT

The event will be held on the beautiful grounds at Penley Estate. A picnic rug or comfy chair is essential, as the crowd settles in for an epic six hours of comedy, wine, and of course music, with the return of DJ Pedro Moshman.

DETAILS:

When: Saturday, March 18 • Gates Open: 11.45am • Events Ends: 6pm

Where: Penley Estate • 148 McLean Road, Coonawarra

Tickets: General Admission tickets: $89 • Tickets at grapesofmirth.com.au

Key projects could earn council windfall

Community groups are encouraged to apply for the second round of Council’s Community Partnership Grants Program - a program that is now open.

Formerly known as Greater Grants, the program has been rebranded to better reflect the opportunities the grants offer the Southern Grampians Community.

Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor David Robertson (pictured) said Community Partnership Grants provide the perfect opportunity for Southern Grampians community groups to access much needed financial support to start key projects.

“Last year, Council reviewed the Grants Policy which has been updated to provide further clarity to community groups around eligibility, conflict of interest, and importantly the application and assessment process,” Cr Robertson said. “Categories remain the same with applications submitted for projects over $2,500 still needing to demonstrate financial capacity to match in kind contributions.

“Each year, Council delivers almost $200,000 in financial support via our grants program to community groups to support initiatives, events and projects that contribute to making our region more liveable for residents.

“Like the Greater Grants program, our Community Partnership Grants still offer a broad range of categories including Community Infrastructure, Arts and Cultural Development, Community Strengthening, Tourism and Events, Environmental Sustainability, and Heritage.

“The program is always very popular so if you or your community group have an idea that will make a difference within the community and need some support – have a read through the eligibility criteria and guidelines on our website and contact our Community Development and Engagement Team to discuss further.”

Council’s Community Partnership Grants program offers eligible community groups to access up to $15,000 per financial year for initiatives, events and projects that directly benefit the Southern Grampians Shire. Applications for more than $2,500 must demonstrate cash or in-kind contributions and must provide evidence of cash held, or must be able to demonstrate their financial capacity.

Eligibility criteria and information on how to apply, including the full guidelines and application form (once