Transgrid community grants now up for grabs

Grants of up to $5,000 are now on offer for community groups in various parts of NSW to deliver valuable services, facilities, activities and events for local residents.

Executive General Manager of Major Projects Gordon Taylor said the grants program, which has been running since 2012, is part of Transgrid’s commitment to supporting communities in areas where transmission assets are located or under development.

“Transgrid is building the energy superhighway with our major projects such as EnergyConnect, HumeLink and VNI West providing critical infrastructure to accelerate Australia’s clean energy future,” Mr Taylor said.

“However, we are not just committed to the renewable energy transition – we are equally focused on building lasting relationships and investing in communities where we operate.

“We want to make a positive difference by maximising community benefits from our pipeline of major projects and that includes providing much-needed funding for grass-roots groups working hard to make their communities a better place to live.

“I encourage all eligible groups to apply for grants for initiatives which energise communities and improve or promote safety, wellbeing, education and the environment.”

In 2022 the Community Partnerships Program provided funding to 48 not-for-profit groups including primary schools, museums, sporting clubs, men’s sheds, meals on wheels, an RSL sub-branch, a library, arts groups and Aboriginal support services.

Tumut Netball Association received a grant for new seating to increase comfort and safety for spectators and players at its Marg Butler complex.

“Tumut Netball has been going for 50 years now and we have about 450 registered players in our competition,” Treasurer Liz Crampton said.

“Transgrid’s generous support allowed us to replace out-of-date seating which had become a safety issue for spectators and players.”

Tumut & District Historical Society, which boasts the best collection of Miles Franklin memorabilia outside of the State Library, received a grant for new museum signage.

“The external signage desperately needed replacing as it was about 20 years old and cracked and discoloured,” Tumut & District Historical Society President Marcia Commins said.

“We were very thankful that Transgrid came to the party and funded the new signage as we really depend on grants.”

Griffith Shed for Men received funding to buy a commercial sized air compressor and sandblaster to improve efficiency in completing projects.

“The new larger air compressor will allow us to use multiple power tools at the same time at various locations across the shed as well as reduce noise and battery use,” Griffith Shed for Men President Warren Murray said.

“It is something that we really needed and I thank Transgrid for providing a grant to allow us to buy it.”

The Wagga Wagga Art Society received a grant to buy a new heater for their community art studio.

“Our heater was on its last legs and the upgraded heating will make a big difference to the comfort of the studio as well as for our bills,” Wagga Wagga Art Society President Nicole Shaddock said.

“If it wasn’t for the external support from grants like the one from Transgrid, we wouldn’t be able to function so we’re very grateful.”

The Rock Meals on Wheels received a grant to purchase a heat-sealing machine for their kitchen.

“We can’t fund those sorts of projects ourselves and we’re forever grateful that Transgrid come on board and helped us out,” The Rock Meals on Wheels Manager Vicky Hogan said.

The Uranquinty Progress Association received a grant to help fund a new mural on the town’s water tower.

“Having organisations that can provide grant opportunities for small communities like ours is amazing. We wouldn’t be able to do the things that we would like to do and to put passion into actual projects without being able to apply for grants,” Uranquinty Progress Association President Deborah Bewick said.

Applications for grants of up to $5,000 are open from March 31 to April 30.

For more information about eligibility and how to apply, visit our Community Partnerships Program page.

Transgrid media contact:

Mark Nolan 0429 047 136