Record number of community groups share in regional funding boost

The 61 community organisations that received grants are located across the state, including Armidale, Coleambally, Cootamundra, Deniliquin, Hay, Junee, Moulamein, Tumbarumba, Uranquinty, Wagga Wagga, Wentworth and Yass.

Funding has been provided to emergency services, Indigenous organisations, sport and recreation clubs, preschools, health and wellbeing initiatives, show societies, progress associations and environmental groups.

Executive General Manager of Corporate & Stakeholder Affairs Maryanne Graham said: “Transgrid has been a part of local communities for many decades through our existing network and we’re also working hard to support the local communities in areas where new transmission infrastructure is under development to enable the clean energy transition.

“Not-for profit groups are the lifeblood of local communities and we’re proud to support their invaluable work with much-needed funding for facilities, services, events and activities which make a positive difference to the lives of local residents and leave a meaningful legacy.”

Grant recipients and initiatives include:

• Armidale Community Radio – information technology upgrade
• Defibrillators for Binalong Progress Association and Coleambally Irrigation Cooperative
• Edinglassie Rural Fire Brigade (Muswellbrook) – installation of security cameras at the fire station
• Gasworks Motorsport – planting of 150 native trees at Illabo Motorsport Park to improve biodiversity, wildlife habitat, visual appeal, shade and privacy
• Moulamein Bowling Club – yoga classes for community wellbeing
• Moulamein Men’s Shed and Rice Museum – sliding table saw to expand capability, safety and ease of use
• Murray Darling Amateur Swim Club – new starting and timing equipment to improve efficiency of training and allow swimmers to be more competitive with larger clubs in the region
• Riverina Environmental Education Centre (Wagga Wagga) – squirrel glider habitat boxes to protect the vulnerable species and provide learning experiences for school children
• Wagga Wagga Rescue Squad – height access equipment to enhance vertical rescue capability
• Wallerawang Warriors Junior Rugby League – electronic scoreboard.

Uranquinty Rural Fire Service has received a grant to purchase equipment to support fire safety and community education as well as firefighter training.

“Over the next 18 months, a new station will be built for us and so we are excited to receive the Transgrid grant and get more involved in community education, fire safety and preparedness,” Uranquinty Rural Fire Service Captain/President Trevor Jansen said. 

“The Transgrid grant will allow us to buy a smart television, a laptop and Apple TV box for our new training room to deliver fire safety education for community organisations, local residents and school students as well as training for firefighters.

“We don’t really fundraise in our village because our community is so small. The Transgrid grant allows us to buy this modern equipment and technology without having to ask the community for money which is a big step forward for us.”

The new Tumbarumba Start Strong Preschool, which will shortly be built on a greenfield site at King George V Park, has received funding to purchase books for the children’s library.

Preschool founding committee member Ali Grant said construction of the new 40-place centre has been funded by the NSW Government to alleviate a shortage of early education and care places in Tumbarumba.

“The Government is funding construction of the pre-school, however, everything else comes from fundraising and grants,” Ms Grant said.

“The Transgrid grant will allow us to buy decent books, educational tools and literacy resources which will make a huge difference to the children’s learning.”

Deniliquin Local Aboriginal Land Council has again received a grant to fund participation of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in the Mighty Murray Marathon annual kayaking event.

This year’s funding is allowing 30 youth, an increase from 20 last year, to participate in the 415km paddle from Yarrawonga to Koondrook over five days.

“The name given to the journey is Marrang Tyema, which means to ‘find/discover’ in Wamba Wamba language,” Deniliquin Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Rose Dunn said.

“The event will be a celebration of culture and country with the broader community and build positive relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people along the Murray River.

“It gives participating youth a great opportunity to build strong friendships and relationships with the wider community, police, organisers and other competitors.”

See full list of grant recipients

Organisations seeking Community Partnerships Program funding are encouraged to apply for the next round in October.

Transgrid media contact: Mark Nolan 0429 047 136