Transgrid powers local communities across NSW with record grants round

Transgrid has provided grants under the latest round of its Community Partnerships Program to 59 community organisations in locations including Armidale, Bathurst, Deniliquin, Goulburn, Jerilderie, Lithgow, Murrumbateman, Tumbarumba, Wagga Wagga and Yass.

Funding has also been allocated to community programs helping those in need including resources for families with premature or sick newborns, mental health and wellbeing promotion, food and hampers for disadvantaged groups, and fitness classes and education for people with disabilities.

Executive General Manager of Major Projects Gordon Taylor said the latest round has funded a record number of organisations, with support for communities where our existing transmission network is located in addition to those where new clean energy infrastructure is under development.

“Transgrid is building the new energy superhighway to reduce power bills by bringing cheaper and cleaner energy to consumers and supporting Australia’s renewable energy transition,” Mr Taylor said.

“As part of building a sustainable future, we are committed to investing in communities where we operate and making a positive difference to the lives of local residents.

“These not-for-profit organisations are the lifeblood of their local communities and we are delighted to support them to deliver much-needed services, facilities, events and activities.

“From Wagga to Wallerawang, Bathurst to Barham, Lake Albert to Lithgow, and Taralga to Tumbarumba, grants of up to $5,000 will help these organisations to make their local communities a better place to live.”

Funding has been allocated to initiatives which support clean energy, safety and wellbeing, education and the environment including:

• Lake Albert Bushfire Brigade, Yass Touch Association and Central Coree Community Centre – installation of solar systems to support self-sustainable energy
• Armidale 2ARM Community Radio and Yass Community Radio Association – community radio station upgrades
• Deniliquin Drovers Rugby Union Football Club – provision of a new spectator grandstand
• KU Goulburn Preschool – LED lighting to support energy efficiency
• Miracle Babies Foundation – support resources for families with premature or sick newborns at Bathurst and Wagga Wagga hospitals
• St Vincent de Paul – food and hampers for disadvantaged groups within the Deniliquin community
• Friends of the Bathurst War Memorial Carillion – supporting digitalisation of the repertoire library and streaming performances
• Kooringal High School – a Precious Plastics recycling system for plastic repurposing
• Rock the Turf Inc – supporting Tumut’s Blues, Brews & BBQs Festival which helps promote local artists and musicians in the region
• Shear Connect – hosting professional education and training for shearers in the Wagga Wagga community, &
• Tumbarumba Historical Society Inc – a contribution to the restoration of the historic Tumbarumba Railway guard van.

Deniliquin Drovers Rugby Union Football Club secretary Angela Coffey said they are very appreciative of the Transgrid grant which will go towards installation of a 40-person grandstand at Rotary Park.

“We are a one team club and we have re-entered the competition again this year after 12 months off due to low numbers caused by COVID-19 and border closures,” Ms Coffey said.

“The club is very excited to receive the grant from Transgrid which we are using to build a grandstand so our spectators can watch the game more comfortably and clearly and add to the infrastructure at our home ground.

“It takes a long time to raise funds via BBQs and raffles given we are a small club so the grant from Transgrid allows us to install the grandstand much sooner.”

Lake Albert Bushfire Brigade secretary/treasurer Jamie Cave said the Transgrid grant will help with installation of a new solar system and batteries at their Gelston Park station which does not have an electricity supply.

“We are upgrading the outdated solar system and installing batteries to charge our fire truck and provide power for the station and a Wi-Fi system local residents can use to make emergency calls as there is very limited mobile reception in the area,” Mr Cave said.

“The grant from Transgrid helps us out a fair bit as there is a volunteer shortage at present and we struggle to do fundraising so it relieves a bit of pressure on us.”

Transgrid is also supporting Tumut’s 2024 Blues, Brews and BBQs Festival which showcases local foods, beverages and musicians, providing an enjoyable community celebration for locals and visitors alike.

The event, organised by Rock the Turf Inc at the Riverglade Caravan Park on the picturesque Tumut River, attracted 1,300 people this year.

“We are a very small committee of 12 people and we are all volunteers so we rely heavily on sponsorships and grants for the event to go ahead,” Rock the Turf grants co-ordinator Karen Clarke said.

In addition to funding not-for-profit groups, Transgrid provides other meaningful benefits to communities including jobs, skills development, educational opportunities, and support for local businesses.

Organisations seeking Community Partnerships Program funding can apply for the next round in September. More information and a full list of recipients is available here. 

Transgrid media contact:

Mark Nolan 0429 047 136