Community use of town halls

About the scheme

Not-for-profit community organisations play a critical role in empowering the local community to take action and have an active role in shaping their future. The City of Melbourne supports not-for-profit organisations whose work in the community enriches the municipality by providing programs and activities that improve people’s quality of life.

Through the CUTHS scheme, organisations can apply to use Melbourne Town Hall, the Meat Market in North Melbourne or Kensington Town Hall.

CUTHS has a focus on local and vulnerable people.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for CUTHS, your organisation must be:

• a not-for-profit constituted organisation; and
• based in the City of Melbourne or provide services or benefits to the local community or Melbourne as a capital city.

CUTHS is provided specifically to support one-off or special events that community organisations are conducting.

Events that are not eligible for CUTHS include events that are:

• events with a political focus​
• religious (except for those promoting interfaith activities)
• private events
• ongoing or recurring meetings.

Sponsorship of events that have been funded through other City of Melbourne programs, activities, grant and sponsorship programs, or through an existing funding agreement with the City of Melbourne will not be considered.

Applications for CUTHS cannot be made after events have taken place.

How to apply

1. Contact the relevant venue staff to check availability and suitability of venues and to answer your questions.
2. If the venue is suitable and available, make a tentative booking and you will receive a formal written quote.
3. Read through all the guidelines before filling in the application form.
4. Complete all sections of the application form and attach a copy of the quote with your application. Applications will not be considered if they do not have an accompanying quote.

​For information about venues including availability, please contact venue staff directly:

• Melbourne Town Hall (Showtime Event Group)Opens in new tab
  Phone: 03 9682 1777​​
• Meat Market – Presenter Services Coordinator
  Phone: 03 9329 9966
• Kensington Town HallOpens in new tab
  Phone: 03 9372 5315

Application forms

The City of Melbourne uses an online system called SmartyGrants to administer these applications. You can edit, save and review your form prior to submitting the final version. You can also print out your applications.

Applicants are required to make submissions via the following online forms, unless they have accessibility issues. In this case a printed form can be made available – please contact us.

Please note:

• Applications must be received a minimum of six weeks prior to the scheduled event.
• Applicants will be contacted by email and advised of the outcome of their application six to eight weeks after the application and quote is received.
• Applicants should advise venue staff of the outcome of their application and confirm or cancel their booking.