A shared passion
GrainCorp grants deliver a funding boost for rural communities
September 10, 2022

GrainCorp has awarded more than $300,000 in funding to community groups across the east coast of Australia as part of its 2022 grants funding efforts.

The GrainCorp Community Foundation’s Grants program provides financial support to organisations and projects that support positive economic, social and cultural growth, with two funding rounds held per year in February and July.

The Foundation selected 16 community projects – out of 46 for the year in total – to support in its July round of funding, ranging from sustainable community garden projects to playground and infrastructure upgrades.

“In this first year of the GrainCorp Community Foundation, the Community Grants program has been brimming with many passionate people wanting to give back to their communities.

Kyle Docherty, GrainCorp Community Engagement Manager

“The program this year has focused on supporting community connectedness, enhancing local infrastructure and developing environment and sustainability initiatives.

“We look forward to seeing the projects chosen in this latest round come to life and make a difference in our communities.”

Connecting the community of Gindie

A township of 200 people in the Central Highlands of Queensland, Gindie endures harsh summers with temperatures commonly above 40 degrees.

For Alison Howard, upgrading the multi-purpose court and all-weather shelter at the Gindie State School will provide a much-needed space for school and community activities.

“At present, students attempt to play ball games in a small, confined undercover area which coincides with mealtimes and other activities, and lacks sufficient protection from the elements, including heat and cyclones.

“Having a safe, accessible, all-weather space for physical activity will greatly benefit our students and the broader community, because we can host both school and other community events.”

Alison Howard, P&C representative

Gindie State School hosts the Annual Small School Athletics Carnival on behalf of smaller schools within a three-hour radius of Gindie.

Alison says the availability of a multi-purpose court will offer improved social connection for isolated children and families, thereby supporting sustainable rural living.

“We are incredibly excited to see it in action, as we really want our students to achieve their daily physical activity needs in a large, enjoyable space and foster community connections.”

Gindie State School students celebrating the news of the refurbishment of their playground area

From drought, COVID and floods comes renewal

More than 800km south in the NSW town of Wee Waa, the Nurruby Wee Waa Community Child Care Centre and Preschool received funding to upgrade its playground area.

Nurruby is the only not-for-profit daycare centre in Wee Waa and supports up to 46 families with extra provisions during harvest and planting times.

Tegan Mahar is the Director of the Centre and says the funding boost has come at an ideal time.

“As a result of the challenges our community has experienced with drought, COVID and then flooding, the playground area has been left in need of a major upgrade.

“Through GrainCorp’s funding, we will be able to create an inviting outdoor space that will provide renewed excitement and stimulation for the children.

Tegan Mahar

“It will also have outdoor learning spaces, allowing for collaborative and co-constructive learning to help with the children’s cognitive and social development.”

Tegan adds: “Nurruby is a vital centre in Wee Waa and the broader community, so we’re incredibly excited for the project to come to life.”

GrainCorp Community Grant recipients (July 2022)

Organisation Project/ProgramLocation
Manangatang P-12 CollegeManangatang Community Garden ProjectManangatang, VIC
Natimuk Agricultural and Pastoral SocietyShowground facility upgradeNatimuk, VIC
Coleambally Rescue SquadTool upgrade programColeambally, NSW
Rand Community Bowling ClubClubroom upgradeRand, NSW
Gindie Primary P&C AssociationMultipurpose court upgradeGindie, QLD
Goondiwindi Primary School P&C Association‘Great Mates’ PlaygroupGoondiwindi, QLD
Nurruby Wee Waa Community Child Care Centre and Pre SchoolPlayground upgradeWee Waa, NSW
Country Fire Authority – TungamahPurchase of a new ‘Big Fill’ unitTungamah, VIC
Wycheproof Narraport Netball ClubChangeroom upgradeWycheproof, VIC
Meandarra Bowls ClubClubhouse safety upgradeMeandarra, QLD
Calivil Football Netball Club & Calivil Tennis ClubInstallation of court sheltersCalivil, VIC
Junee Business and TradesMarquees for shared community useJunee, NSW
MedicinesEDCommunity medicines education workshopsMiles, QLD
Temora Australian Football and Netball ClubNetball courts refurbishmentTemora NSW
Elmore Football Netball ClubNetball changeroom upgrade projectElmore, VIC
Yagaburne Cricket ClubCommunity facility upgradesYagaburne, QLD

The next funding round for the GrainCorp Community Grants program will open on 1 February 2023.

Media enquiries.

Jess Simons

Head of Corporate Affairs & Government Relations

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