Victoria’s Wimmera region has benefited from a $417,000 investment in local community programs by Murra Warra Wind Farm, over the past five years.
The wind farm is this week celebrating the sixth year of sharing benefits of the energy transition with locals with Squadron Energy Murra Warra Wind Farm Site Operations Manager Chris Gulvin visiting some of the projects funded, including:
- a new watering system for Dimboola Croquet Club
- Dimboola Lions Club container deposit bins
- fencing and native landscaping at Warracknabeal Golf Bowls Club
- footbridges at Yarriambiack Creek
- an automatic irrigation system for the Junior Oval at Minyip Recreation Reserve
- solar panels for Horsham City Bowling Club
- rehearsal shed upgrade for Horsham Arts Council
- Horsham Rotary Club STEM Challenge.
Mr Gulvin said he was proud to witness first-hand the impact of funding community initiatives developed by locals for locals.
“What I’ve seen this week is real, on-the-ground outcomes—upgraded facilities, better equipment and improvements that benefit local communities.
“By investing in community-led projects, we’re turning renewable energy into lasting local benefits and helping Wimmera communities thrive long after each funding round ends,” Mr Gulvin said.
Wimmera Southern Mallee Development (WSMD) CEO Christopher Sounness said this program has quietly delivered real outcomes across the Wimmera.
“In five years more than 60 local projects have been funded, from recreation facilities and arts programs through to environmental initiatives and education activities.”
“The grants are assessed by a panel made up of local government and community representatives from across the region, which helps ensure funding decisions reflect local priorities.”
“Our role at Wimmera Southern Mallee Development is to administer the program and make sure community groups across Horsham, Hindmarsh and Yarriambiack know about the opportunity and can put forward their ideas,” Mr Sounness said.
A total of 61 local projects have been funded by the Murra Warra Wind Farm Community Grant Program, which is administered by WSMD.
Applications for the 2026 program are currently open. To find out more and apply visit: https://wsm.org.au/projects-and-programs/mwwf-grants-program/.