$500,000 Community Partnerships Program for Broken Hill and Far West NSW

Head of Transgrid’s Far West Operations Response Sam Pickering said “Community organisations and not-for-profit groups in areas recently impacted by prolonged power outages can apply for funding of up to $10,000.”

The Program provides funding for a range of activities, including improving community facilities and services. The funding will be made available in three rounds. Applications for the first round of $200,000 open today and will close December 7, 2024. The funding is expected to be distributed to eligible recipients by February 2025. The remaining two rounds, of $150,000 each, will be distributed in early 2025.

“It’s just one way we can support the communities of the region, who were not only extremely patient during recent weeks but also welcomed our teams, who worked hard to restore primary power to the area.

“Transgrid and its predecessors have been providing electricity to Broken Hill and surrounding communities for almost 70 years and we will be part of the communities. We appreciate the efforts of everyone involved.”

The funding represents an expansion of Transgrid’s Community Partnerships Program, which already operates in communities across Transgrid’s NSW network. More than 275 organisations have shared in over $1 million in Transgrid funding for a range of initiatives, from community infrastructure, to workshops, along with inclusivity, accessibility and resilience projects.

The Community Partnerships Program funding is in addition to the $1.5 million contribution to the NSW Government’s community support package for residents and businesses.

“As we move into the recovery phase following the recent outages, we will continue to provide progress updates to the community on our planning for a long-term transmission solution for the region. We will do this work in consultation with the NSW Government, Councils, Essential Energy and community organisations.”

Community groups will be able to access more information about the Community Partnerships Program for Far West NSW here, via social media, the Broken Hill Times and from ABC Broken Hill.

Media enquiries: Michelle Stone 0438 293 917