The 2024 round of Berrybank Wind Farm Community Grants has been awarded to five community groups who will share in a combined $65,245 over the next three years to help deliver a range of community projects and events.
The funding was available across two categories: Economic Development Projects and Tourism Projects, with one year and multi-year funding available for each category.
The successful community projects and events included:
- Inverleigh Dachshund Derby – $14,908 total to be delivered over the next three years to support this popular community event.
- Dereel and Surrounding Communities Men’s Shed Inc – $10,000 over the next three years for the ‘Community Bonfire’ event.
- Meredith History Interest Group – $12,397 to support the ‘Bursting at the Seams!’ initiative.
- Inverleigh Golf Club Inc. – $16,740 for the Inverleigh Disc Golf Course expansion.
- Turtle Bend Events Committee – $11,200 to support the Live@Turtle Bend/Spring Solstice events.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Brett Cunningham said it was pleasing to see more local community groups and events supported through the Berrybank Wind Farm Community Grants program.
“This grants program supports local community groups and organisations to create sustainable and impactful events and initiatives which help build and connect local communities,” Cr Cunningham said.
“Council is excited to see these initiatives come to fruition, and we thank Berrybank Wind Farm for its ongoing support to the local community through this ongoing program.”
Delivered in partnership with Berrybank Wind Farm, the Berrybank Wind Farm Community Grants Program provides funding opportunities to support local events and projects in Golden Plains. Applications were open from 1 May until 31 May 2024.
The Berrybank Wind Farm Community Grants Committee, made of representatives of the company, Golden Plains Shire Council and members of the community, provide advice on the criteria for awarding community grants, evaluate applications from the public and make recommendations to Council on which local projects to support.
The funding contribution for 2024 was $82,500 and the same amount will be available in 2025. There will be a minimum of one round of application opportunities each year and funding will be made available over the 15-year term of the agreement between Council and Berrybank Wind Farm.