Some 18 First Nations people were able to take part in the Deniliquin Local Aboriginal Land Council’s annual Mighty Murray Marathon kayaking event due in part to Transgrid funding. Photo: Transgrid.
Fifty-seven community organisations across regional New South Wales have received a financial boost from energy giant Transgid as part of the most recent round of the Community Partnerships Program.
Botanic gardens, bush fire brigades, medical services, Aboriginal land councils, schools, environmental groups, charities, sporting clubs and arts organisations are among the recipients of the funding in locations such as Armidale, Barham, Bathurst, Deniliquin, Hay, Junee, Moulamein, Wagga Wagga, Wallerawang and Wentworth.
The company’s executive general manager of major projects Gordon Taylor said Transgrid was proud to invest in local communities where it operated.
“Transgrid has been a part of many local communities for decades, with our 13,000-kilometre high-voltage transmission network spanning across NSW and the ACT,” Mr Taylor said.
“We are also forming meaningful relationships with communities where new transmission infrastructure is currently being planned or built to support Australia’s clean-energy future.
“Transgrid is delighted to support these not-for-profit organisations to help make a positive difference to the lives of local residents by delivering much-needed community services, facilities, events and activities.
“We provided grants of up to $5000 to a record 59 community groups earlier this year, bringing the total to 116 not-for-profit organisations benefiting from funding in 2023 alone.
“These organisations work hard day in, day out to make their communities a better place to live and we are proud to support their efforts.”
Riverina initiatives that received funding include:
- Deniliquin Local Aboriginal Land Council – supporting Indigenous youth participation in the Mighty Murray Marathon annual kayaking event
- Hay Aboriginal Medical Service – information sessions about health, mental health and safety in the community
- Junee Regenerative Landcare – screening of the Greenhouse by Joost film to raise awareness of self-sustainable and zero-waste living
- South Wagga Public School P&C Association – yarning circle and cultural garden
- Wagga Mardi Gras – supporting the 2024 Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras Festival.
Deniliquin Local Aboriginal Land Council received a grant to fund the participation of 18 local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in the recent Mighty Murray Marathon annual kayaking event.
“This is a really good event that gives the kids culture through rivers, trees and the surrounding environment, with the participants stopping at regular checkpoints over the five days,” Deniliquin LALC CEO Rose Dunn said.
“An adult community member or police officer accompanied each participant, assisting them to form positive connections to Country. The name given to the journey was ‘Marrang Tyema’ – in the Wamba Wamba language meaning to `find/discover’.
“The event helped to break down barriers with the NSW Police Force members and other service providers who participated and allowed the kids to make some good friendships with other participants.
“We had four canoes and they kayaked 415 km in relay format over five days. They had a great time and even won the best team.”
A full list of grant recipients is available here. Organisations seeking Community Partnerships Program funding can apply for the next round in March 2024.
Loading ...
