Fifteen community projects across Inverell Shire will share in $142,000 in the latest round of funding from the Sapphire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.
The 2026 Round 2 funding will support local sport and recreation, emergency services, education, health, heritage, community events and facilities as determined by the Sapphire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund Committee.
Sapphire Wind Farm Operations Manager David Williamson said the successful projects reflected the diversity of local organisations working to strengthen their communities.
“Local clubs, volunteer groups and community organisations play an important role in keeping regional communities strong,” Mr Williamson said.
We’re proud that the Sapphire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund can help these groups turn practical local ideas into projects that will make a positive impact on rescue equipment, health and sporting facilities, training and community spaces.”
Funding has been awarded to:
- Inverell Sporties Ltd: $14,090.91 to upgrade lighting on the greens
- Inverell RSM Clay Target Club: $13,277.27 to rebuild trap houses
- Operation Operating Room Ltd: $11,000 for a tourniquet machine
- Gum Flat School P&C Association: $18,755 for the Gum Flat Community Play and Imagination Village
- North West Mower Racing Association: $2,500 to purchase a box blade
- VRA Rescue NSW, Inverell Rescue Squad: $20,000 for battery-powered rescue tools
- Ashford Memorial Bowling Club: $14,000 to replace lights on the bowling green
- Community College Northern Inland: $5,000 for a hospitality training hub
- Inverell Junior Touch Football Association: $7,920 for representative uniforms
- Bonshaw Campdraft Committee: $9,117.90 for yard improvements
- Inverell Hockey Association: $3,620 for umpire communication and development
- Inverell Saints Football Club: $5,000 for game balls
- National Transport Museum: $13,590.91 for an insulated awning and screened barbecue area, subject to a final quote
- Sapphire Social Committee: $2,279.50 for a speaker system
- Inverell Breast Cancer Support Group: $1,818.18 for marketing and advertising materials
Inverell Shire Mayor Kate Dight said the funding would make a real difference to organisations that support the community every day.
“This round reflects the strength of community spirit across our Shire. Many of these groups rely on volunteers and fundraising,” Cr Dight said.
“This funding helps them deliver projects that might otherwise take years to achieve. I congratulate all of the successful applicants.”
The next round of the Sapphire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund opens on 11 January 2027 and closes on 19 February 2027.
Sapphire Wind Farm is located on Ngarabal Country, 18km west of Glen Innes, in the New England region of northern NSW. The wind farm’s 75 turbines produce enough clean energy to power 148,000 homes.