More than $100,000 in funding has been awarded to regional Victorian not-for-profit and community groups across Horsham, Hindmarsh and Yarriambiack Shires through this year’s Squadron Energy Murra Warra Wind Farm Community Grants fund.
A record 23 community-led projects in the region received funding, sharing a total of $104,000 after submitting applications.
The funding boost is supporting initiatives across education and training, the sustainable environment, sport and recreation, culture, diversity and the arts, and social health and wellbeing.
Murra Warra Wind Farm Site Operations Manager Chris Gulvin said the program reflects the important role local organisations play in creating vibrant and connected regional communities.
“Murra Warra Wind Farm is proud to support initiatives that strengthen local communities and create lasting benefits across the region,” Mr Gulvin said.
“It’s fantastic to see such a diverse range of projects receiving funding this year, from environmental improvements to community infrastructure and wellbeing programs.
“These grants are about backing the people and ideas that make this region a great place to live and work.”
Tower Park, a vibrant and recently upgraded community space in the heart of Dimboola, received $17,000 for an electrical upgrade.
Local resident La Vernge Lehmann welcomed the addition of electricity to the site.
“Since Tower Park was created from the ashes of the old Dimboola Hotel just a few years ago, both the community and visitors alike have come to appreciate the value of this open space on our Main Street,” Ms Lehmann said.
“Now that we have brought it into community ownership, we are keen to further enhance the park by installing power directly onsite.
“This will allow for more activities and local event opportunities, so we really appreciate the assistance this grant is providing to help make that happen.”
Tom Hamilton, a member of the Murtoa Stick Shed Committee of Management, said their grant would transform an underutilised area into a valuable frog habitat, enhancing biodiversity and creating a lasting environmental asset for the community and visitors to enjoy.
The Murtoa Swimming Pool received $6,632 for a solar heating project. As a popular local facility, the pool plays an important role in recreation, health, and social connection for residents.
“The Murra Warra Wind Farm grant for the Murtoa Pool solar heating project will strengthen our outdoor pools’ role as a valued community asset, creating a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for a diverse range of users,” said Kristin Starick.
The upgrade will help ensure the facility remains a welcoming and comfortable place for local families, schools and visitors.
Wimmera Southern Mallee Development CEO Chris Sounness said it was fantastic to have so many community projects successful in their grant bids.
“It is great to see community groups identify their own priorities and get on with making things happen,” Mr Sounness said.
“Twenty-three projects across Horsham, Hindmarsh and Yarriambiack is a strong result, and it reflects the energy of volunteers who make this region thrive.
“It is good to see their priorities backed with real funding.”
Other grant recipients include:
- Murtoa by Twilight: Murtoa by Twilight Engaging Youth event
- Knit and Natter: Purchase of wool to create blankets, beanies and goods for community members
- WSM LLEN: Let’s Read program
- Nhill Neighbourhood House: Outdoor communal space renewal for ESL learners
- Dunmunkle Renegades: Junior cricket gear
- Wimmera Mallee Regional and District Scouts: Archery tag equipment
- Dimboola Rowing Club: Double racing hull
- Nhill Lake Reserve: Maintenance equipment
- Rainbow Archive and Historical Society: Heating and cooling upgrade
- Rainbow Cemetery Trust: Technology upgrade to establish a Central Repository
- Mid West Riding Club: Dressage arena letters
- Rainbow Neighbourhood House: Safe electrical upgrade
- Horsham Lawn Tennis Club: Line marking machine
- Arapiles Historical Society: Administration and digital upgrade
- Wimmera Growers of Australian Plants: New garden beds surrounding the Dimboola Caravan Park with native plants
- Horsham Mens Shed: Social and wellbeing visits to other Mens Shed’s
- Horsham Squash Club: Electronic scoring upgrade
- Field Naturalists Club of Victoria: Enhancing habitats for hollow-dependent species
- Taylors Lake Football and Netball Club: Dishwasher for club kitchen
The Murra Warra Wind Farm Community Grants program is administered by Wimmera Southern Mallee Development on behalf of Squadron Energy, with an independent selection committee consisting of Local Government and community members making the decisions on grant allocations.