Macintyre High School P and C Association is one of six local organisations to share in $62,470.60 awarded under Round 1 of the 2026 Sapphire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund, supporting a range of community facilities, programs and initiatives across the Inverell region.
Administered by Inverell Shire Council, Squadron Energy’s Sapphire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund opens twice each year and provides grants to eligible local organisations for equipment and infrastructure upgrades, repairs and renovations, and community programs and events that deliver lasting benefits for the local community.
Macintyre High School P and C Association was awarded $15,000 to fund the technical production costs of the Sapphire Community of Schools Musical – Shrek the Musical Jr.
Leigh Stewart, a head teacher at Macintyre High School has expressed her gratitude to Squadron Energy for the funds awarded, which will support the collaborative production of Shrek the Musical Jr, being held at the Inverell Town Hall from 5 August.
“This funding will support more than 100 students from across seven public schools in the region to take part in a large-scale musical production,” she said.
“It will help remove financial barriers, ensuring more students can be involved, while also supporting key technical elements such as lighting, sound, and staging.
“These elements will enable students to experience being part of a professional-level production, an opportunity that is not always accessible to young people in rural communities.”
This project highlights the value of public education and the important role creative arts play in student wellbeing, engagement and achievement.
The project also strengthens connections between schools and the wider community, builds pride in public education and supports the ongoing growth and visibility of creative arts programs across the region.
“We hope to bring the community together through a shared experience that celebrates the talent and hard work of our students and also showcases the wonderful opportunities available to young people through our local public schools,” Ms Stewart said.
Sapphire Wind Farm’s Site Operations Manager Dave Williamson said it was pleasing to see the success of six community organisations in the latest round of funding.
“Squadron Energy is proud to support community-led projects that make a practical difference for local people,” he said.
“I want to thank the Sapphire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund Committee and Inverell Shire Council for the work they do to help direct this funding to where it is needed most.”
Other successful recipients of Round 1 of the Sapphire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund 2026 include Ashford Showground Land Manager, Inverell Jockey Club, Nullamanna Reserve Land Manager, The Dramamatics and Inverell Art Society Inc.
Round 2 of the Squadron Energy Sapphire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund opens on 17 August.
