General News
20 July, 2024
Wind Farm windfall for community groups
More than $110,000 in community grants will boost and strengthen Wimmera not-for-profit groups through the 2024 Murra Warra Wind Farm Sustainable Community Grants Fund program.
Wimmera Southern Mallee Development administered the grants, presented at a function at Horsham Golf Club on Wednesday.
Recipients were unanimous in their praise for the grants and the boost it would give to their members.
Warracknabeal Golf Bowls Club said it will use its $4966 grant to upgrade landscaping and a garden area surrounding the bowling green.
Club president Dawn Walton said a brush fence would be added, as well as plants native to the area.
“The brush fence is something that’s been needed for a while as there’s now no wind barrier,” she said.
“It will also help with the preservation of the bowling green.”
Warracknabeal Playgroup president Natalie Hewitt said their grant of $2442 would allow introduction of an EnviroEdu program which teaches young children about sustainability and the environment.
“We’re always trying to bring in new activities for the local kids, and provide those opportunities through fundraising events and grants like this one.
“We’re very excited to receive the grant, and we’re always grateful for support.”
Richard Wilken, Horsham Motor Sports Club president and Warracknabeal businessman, said a previous grant had helped the club add lawn to its facilities.
“Everything changed after that, and now we have people come from every state to our events,” he said.
“We’re ecstatic about receiving another grant. We have to present the best facilities, and Horsham Motor Sports Club needs assistance.”
Other recipients also said that no matter how small the grant, the difference to their organisation would be significant.
Wimmera Southern Mallee Development CEO Chris Sounness said it was important to have viable small community groups to which people were attracted.
“The area could have $20 billion in new industries in the next 10 years and that means an influx of people,” he said.
“Planning for the challenges involved in that is better than dealing with the problem of dwindling populations in our small communities.”
The 14 environmentally-sustainable projects to receive funding are in the municipalities of Horsham, Hindmarsh and Yarriambiack.
The recipients are: Horsham Motor Sports Club $20,000, toilets; Minyip Recreation Reserve $20,000, oval irrigation; Horsham City Bowling Club $12,305, solar panels; Centre for Participation $8650, trailer freezer; Natimuk Climbing Club $7000, climbing wall extension; Dimboola Croquet Club $5000, watering system; Dimboola Golf Club $5000, heating/cooling system; Wimmera River Improvement Committee $5000, greening the Wimmera River picnic areas; Taylors Lake Football and Netball Club $5000 for solar lighting and weather protection covers; Warracknabeal Golf Bowls Club $4966, landscaping and garden upgrade; Dimboola RSL Sub-Branch $2206 window blinds; Rainbow and District Landcare $2970, rabbit eradication; Warracknabeal Playground $2442, EnviroEdu Program; Laharum Public Hall $600, trestle tables.
- WITH CAITLIN MENADUE