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.”
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/Program | Location |
| Manangatang P-12 College | Manangatang Community Garden Project | Manangatang, VIC |
| Natimuk Agricultural and Pastoral Society | Showground facility upgrade | Natimuk, VIC |
| Coleambally Rescue Squad | Tool upgrade program | Coleambally, NSW |
| Rand Community Bowling Club | Clubroom upgrade | Rand, NSW |
| Gindie Primary P&C Association | Multipurpose court upgrade | Gindie, QLD |
| Goondiwindi Primary School P&C Association | ‘Great Mates’ Playgroup | Goondiwindi, QLD |
| Nurruby Wee Waa Community Child Care Centre and Pre School | Playground upgrade | Wee Waa, NSW |
| Country Fire Authority – Tungamah | Purchase of a new ‘Big Fill’ unit | Tungamah, VIC |
| Wycheproof Narraport Netball Club | Changeroom upgrade | Wycheproof, VIC |
| Meandarra Bowls Club | Clubhouse safety upgrade | Meandarra, QLD |
| Calivil Football Netball Club & Calivil Tennis Club | Installation of court shelters | Calivil, VIC |
| Junee Business and Trades | Marquees for shared community use | Junee, NSW |
| MedicinesED | Community medicines education workshops | Miles, QLD |
| Temora Australian Football and Netball Club | Netball courts refurbishment | Temora NSW |
| Elmore Football Netball Club | Netball changeroom upgrade project | Elmore, VIC |
| Yagaburne Cricket Club | Community facility upgrades | Yagaburne, QLD |
The next funding round for the GrainCorp Community Grants program will open on 1 February 2023.
