The band won the opening event of the Australian Pipe Band Championships in Ballarat.

They were beaten in the main award by two competing bands from Sydney and New Zealand.

Band president and drum major Chris Earl said the band had also collected an unexpected two further awards.

"We have been named best band for dress and drill in Victoria and best band for piping and drumming in Victoria in grade four," he said.

"We did Bendigo pretty proud, I think.

"Our band was fantastic all year.

"We have a great way of supporting community programs and we also have a reputation as a nursery for new pipers.

"We have a strong belief of being the best we can possibly be.

"We have a good balance in how we practice and perform.

"The band is quite stoked with its performance.

"To have a podium win and two further awards is a great credit to those who are passionate about playing.

"I'm ecstatic.

"There are not enough superlatives to describe how we feel as a team.

"Music takes you on a great journey and we are really enjoying the journey."

The pipe band recently received a grant from Strathfieldsaye and Districts Community Enterprise.

Mr Earl said the grant made it possible for the band to buy new uniform jackets in time for the competition.

"The grant from SDCE and our own fundraising efforts enabled the purchase of the jackets in time for the Australian championships," Mr Earl said.

"We had expected to need our new jackets in Ballarat.

"We sure did, dodging rain and a chilly breeze for the march up Sturt Street."

The pipe band will feature in the Bendigo Easter Festival torchlight parade on Saturday.

They can also be seen at the Bendigo Easter Festival Gala Parade on Sunday.

The band will next compete in the Amulet Highland Games on May 3.