A range of community initiatives across the Yass Valley will benefit from funding through the latest round of Squadron Energy’s Bango Wind Farm Community Enhancement Fund, with a total of $60k awarded to successful applicants.
In its third annual round, the Bango Wind Farm Community Enhancement Fund continues to support projects that create lasting social, environmental and economic benefits for the local community.
Applications for the latest round of funding were assessed by Squadron Energy’s Bango Wind Farm Community Enhancement Funding (CEF) Advisory Committee in March.
Squadron Energy Bango Wind Farm Site Operations Manager Grant Stepien said the Community Enhancement Fund was about supporting the long-term success of communities in the region.
“We’re proud to support initiatives that make a meaningful difference across the Yass Valley, from upgrading local facilities to strengthening the programs and services that bring people together,” Mr Stepien said.
“The strength of the applications this round reflects the passion and commitment within the community and highlights the important role local groups play in keeping the region connected. Bango Wind Farm is committed to working alongside the community and investing in initiatives that matter most to local people.”
Bango Wind Farm CEF Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Allan McGrath, said the quality and diversity of applications received this round demonstrated the strength of community-led initiatives across the region.
“This funding round has once again highlighted the passion and commitment of our local organisations and individuals,” Cr McGrath said.
“We received a substantial number of strong applications again this year, making the process highly competitive. Unfortunately, not every deserving project could be funded during this round, which speaks to the depth of great ideas and community spirit across the Yass Valley.
“The successful projects reflect a range of community priorities—from enhancing local facilities to supporting programs that bring people together—and will deliver meaningful, long-term benefits across the region.”
The Bango Wind Farm Community Enhancement Fund was established as part of the project’s Development Consent and Voluntary Planning Agreement, ensuring that the benefits of renewable energy development are shared directly with the local community.
The Committee will consider funding locally run initiatives that are located within, or provide a direct benefit to, the community within 20km of the wind farm.
Community groups, not-for-profit organisations, small businesses and individuals are encouraged to begin planning for the next Bango Wind Farm Community Enhancement Funding opportunity.
The next round of the fund is expected to open in February 2027.
Funded projects in this round include:
- Yass Spin Foundation – Digital access for great impact – laptop & connectivity – $5,000.00
- Binalong Rescue Squad Cascade Rescue Tera Tamer Wheel and Equipment – Specific for rough terrain – $4,991.00
- Binalong Community Club – Keeping it Cool at Binalong Community Club. Freezer Upgrade – $3,869.00
- Binalong NSW Swimming Club – The E.T. Shine Shield 60 Years of Binalong Spirit, Community event – $1,650.00
- Binalong Progress Association – Supporting Local Sport: Fishing Club Fridge Upgrade – $1,092.00
- Binalong Tennis & Netball Club Incorporated – Air Conditioning in Tennis Clubhouse Bottom Room – $4,244.35
- Bowning Hall Association Inc – Safety improvements to Bowning Hall Annex building. floor replacing and repairs – $3,100.00
- Bowning Rural Fire Brigade – Bowning firefighter PPE decontamination and storage upgrade – $5,474.00
- Highclere Farm – Highclere Farm Event Infrastructure Upgrade Marquee – $4,704.74
- Wee Jasper Community Association – Wee Jasper Heritage Fair, Community Event – $3,598.00
- Yass FM – New Microphone Stands for Yass FM Studios – $1,024.59
- Yass Landcare Group – Wind & shade protection for plants and Yass Landcare Nursery volunteers – $7,313.00
- Yass Minor Rugby League – Line Marking Equipment Upgrade – $3,500.00
- Yass Valley Combined Churches Christmas Carols – Community Christmas Carols 2026 Community Event – $4,955.00
- Yass Valley Concert Band – Purchase of a concert Bass Drum and Stand – $1,599.00
- Yass Montessori Pre-School – Resourcing a Montessori Pre-school classroom – $2,534.32