A record 23 local community led projects will benefit from $104,000 of funding across Horsham, Hindmarsh and Yarriambiack Shires through this year’s Squadron Energy Murra Warra Wind Farm Community Grants fund.
The grants will support initiatives across education and training, sustainable environment, sport and recreation, culture, diversity and arts and social health and wellbeing.
Murra Warra Wind Farm Site Operations Manager Chris Gulvin said the program reflected the important role community organisations played 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.
“Since Tower Park was created out the ashes of the old Dimboola Hotel just a a few years ago, both the community and visitors alike have come to appreciate the value of this open space area on our Main Street,” President La Vernge Lehmann said.
“Markets and other events are already part of the local activities there.”
“Now that we have brought it into community ownership, we are keen to add to value of the park by installing power directly onto the site. This will allow for more activities and local event opportunities. So we really appreciate the assistance that this grant is giving us to do just that.”
Murtoa Stick Shed Committee of Management received funding for environmental works.
“This grant will allow us to transform an underutilised area into a valuable frog habitat, enhancing biodiversity and creating a lasting environmental asset for the community and visitors to enjoy,” member Tom Hamilton said.
The Murtoa Swimming Pool, which plays an important role in recreation, health and social connection for local residents, received $6,632 for a solar heating project.
“The Murra Warra Wind Farm grant for the Murtoa Pool Solar Heating will strengthen our outdoor pools’ role as a valued community asset, creating a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for a diverse range of users,” pool committee member Kristin Starick said.
The upgrade will help ensure the facility remains a welcoming and comfortable place for local families, schools and visitors.
Nathan Harders, Secretary of the Horsham Apex Club, received funding to purchase a new generator. “This generator is a real winner for us. It means we can keep our community events powered up, but more importantly, it ensures Apex Club 15 can be a reliable support for Horsham residents when emergency situations occur,” he said.
Wimmera Southern Mallee Development CEO Chris Sounness said the grants allowed communities to identify and implement priorities.
“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,” Mr Sounness said.
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. More information can be found at Murra Warra Wind Farm Community Grants Program – Wimmera Southern Mallee Development or https://squadronenergy.com/our-projects/murra-warra-l-wind-farm/#community.