Burrinja Cultural Centre, formerly known as the Dandenong Ranges Community Cultural Centre, is one of the recipients of the Creative Organisations Stream from Creative Victoria, securing $100,000 over four years to fund its programs.
The centre is a non-profit organisation and registered charity run by a volunteer board, and received the welcome news just before Christmas 2025 that its application to the Victorian Government’s Creative Victoria Creative Enterprises Program had been successful.
Burrinja chief executive officer and creative director, Melanie Burge, said the funding will support the organisation’s full year-round program from 2026 to 2029.
“We were overjoyed and relieved,” Ms Burge said.
“This funding gives us confidence and optimism that we can keep delivering high-quality arts and cultural experiences for people of all ages across the Dandenong Ranges.”
Creative Victoria is the State Government body responsible for investing in the state’s creative industries, including people, organisations, events and projects.
The main purpose of the funding is operational support, meaning it underpins Burrinja’s year-round program, including gallery exhibitions, creative workshops and classes for children, young people and adults, subsidised tickets to live performances and affordable studio spaces for local artists working at the Burrinja building.
“As a for-purpose organisation, we rely on a mix of funding to do what we do,” Ms Burge said.
“Our primary partner is Yarra Ranges Council, and we’re so grateful to them for their ongoing support and partnership. Support from the Victorian Government via Creative Victoria is also critical to our long-term sustainability, alongside donations, philanthropic grants, local business sponsorship and income from venue hire.”
Burrinja’s next major event is Burrinja FEST on Saturday, 28 February, a vibrant, family-friendly music festival featuring bands, arts workshops and experiences, kids’ activities, as well as food and drinks.
