Southern NSW community groups share $200,000 funding boost

Transgrid is providing grants for 48 not-for-profit groups in locations including Goulburn, Griffith, Hay, Tumut, Wagga Wagga and Wentworth under the latest round of its Community Partnerships Program, which has been benefiting local communities for a decade.

Executive General Manager of Major Projects Gordon Taylor said the funding program is part of Transgrid’s commitment to supporting communities where major projects are under development.

“Transgrid is committed to building lasting relationships and investing in communities where we operate,” Mr Taylor said.

“We want to make a positive difference by maximising community benefits from our pipeline of major projects including EnergyConnect, critically important infrastructure which is currently under construction.  

“Transgrid is pleased to provide funding for these grass-roots groups working hard to make their local communities a better place to live.

“From Wagga to Wentworth, Goulburn to Griffith, and Junee to Jerilderie, grants of up to $5,000 will help community groups to deliver important services, facilities and activities for local residents.”

Funding has been allocated to initiatives which energise communities and improve or promote safety, wellbeing, education and the environment including:

• Advance Ganmain Committee – an eight-week program for isolated rural farmers to come together for a cooking class and meal once a week
• Darlington Point Riverina Classic Catch and Release Fishing Competition – brag mats with educational fishing information and mental health resources
• Jerilderie Swimming Club – replace children’s pool safety equipment including kickboards damaged in the mouse plague
• Wentworth Military Collection – a mobile compressive display to visit schools and community events to promote Australian military service history
• Country Education Foundation Cootamundra – helping rural and regional youth access education, training and jobs through grants, scholarships, support and resources
• Junee & District Heritage Society (Junee Broadway Museum) – a defibrillator and first aid training
• Ulysses Club Inc – Wagga Toy Run for kids at Christmas
• Upper Lachlan Landcare – interactive workshops engaging participants through indigenous art and education to develop an understanding of local tree hollow dependent native species
• Tumut & District Historical Society – new external signage at Tumut Museum
• Tumut Netball Association – new spectator seating at Marg Butler Complex. 

Advance Ganmain Committee publicity and events officer Bron Hatty thanked Transgrid for supporting the important initiative to combat isolation among local male farmers.

“This program brings local farmers together, especially those who don’t have families, to offer them some practical cooking skills as well as sit down and enjoy a meal and make some friendships,” she said.

“Wagga nutritionist Katrina Brown will be involved in the program which will be held once a week for eight weeks in our community hall.”

Upper Lachlan Landcare coordinator Ruth Aveyard said the interactive workshops aim to attract a broader cross-section of the community to educate them about the importance of protecting tree hollows for native fauna.

“We are incorporating art into the program to help facilitate a broader conversation with the community about the importance of hollows in our landscape,” Ms Aveyard said.

“Lots of native animals such as birds and gliders use hollows for refuge and breeding and they must be protected whether they are on the roadside, on private property or in conservation areas.”

Wentworth Military Collection volunteer curator Russell James, grandson of WWII medic Jimmy James, said Transgrid’s support would help educate local school students about 125 years of Australian military service history.

“We have an operational museum open seven days a week, however, the mobile displays will allow us to visit school students particularly those impacted by cross-border issues and provide them with a better understanding of our military service history,” Mr James said.

“Providing a full timeline of over 125 years of Australia’s military service history will help students draw links from the traditions of the Anzacs right through to current peacetime and today’s conflicts and service personnel.”

In addition to funding community groups, Transgrid also provides other meaningful benefits including jobs, skills development, educational opportunities, accommodation, and support for local businesses.

Organisations seeking Community Partnerships Program funding can apply for the next round in March. More information and a full list of recipients, visit our Community Partnerships Program.

Transgrid media contact:

Mark Nolan 0429 047 136