From a sustainable garden project in Warracknabeal, VIC to a community kitchen in Condobolin, NSW, the GrainCorp Community Foundation has selected 22 community groups in the latest grant funding round.
Recognising the integral role of community organisations in regional areas, the Foundation has awarded over $400,000 in grant funding to a total of 48 groups throughout Australia and New Zealand in 2023.
“The groups selected in the latest funding round are essential pillars in their communities and are committed to supporting the future of their towns,” says Kyle Docherty, Community Engagement Manager.
“We received nearly 200 applications this round and it was a difficult decision to narrow them down, which reiterates how many passionate volunteers are out there who just want the best for their community.
“We’re proud to be able to contribute to their causes and look forward to seeing what comes through the door next year.”
Kyle Docherty, Community Engagement Manager
A freshen up at Inglestone
Inglestone, a small township based in the Western Downs region of Queensland, will see a much-needed upgrade to the community centre and sporting club.
For Emily Moon, a member of the newly appointed committee, the facility improvements are vital for the venue’s longevity.
“It allows us to breathe new life into our cherished local facility, setting it up to be an even better venue to host our community,”
“The grant is a vital stepping stone in a long-term plan to revitalise the much-loved venue, which has been operating in the area for generations.
“The building itself needs structural upgrades to meet the needs of our locals and visitors.
“A new committee has been appointed representing the younger generation who hope to revitalise the venue, encouraging more regular use, reminding our community how lucky we are to have such an incredible facility in our area. This grant is just the start.”
Students safe to play at Ariah Park Preschool
Further down south in Ariah Park, a small town in the Riverina region of NSW, the local preschool received a grant earlier this year to install a shade sail in their playground.
With a population of just over 250, Ariah Park relies heavily on community volunteers to ensure its continued growth. As the only preschool in town, the school is vital to the 24 local families it supports.
President of the Ariah Park Preschool Association, Chloe Todd says the funding has had an immediate impact.
“We rely heavily on fundraising and grants to get these sorts of important projects completed, any support from outside our community helps lighten the load and is greatly appreciated.
“Our summers can be brutal and as a result, the children haven’t been able to use the sandpit in the summer months in previous years.”
She adds: “The shade sail has been an excellent addition to our space and now allows the children to play all year round, especially when the sun is beaming down.”
GrainCorp Community Grant recipients (July 2023)
| Organisation Name | Project/Program | Location |
| Cancer Council WA | Crunch & Sip School Nutrition Program | Regional WA |
| Charlton Football Club | Charlton Park Spectator Shelter | Charlton, VIC |
| Boort Netball Club | Netball courts refurbishment | Boort, VIC |
| St Mary’s School Warracknabeal | Sustainability Garden | Warracknabeal, VIC |
| Northern Jets Football & Netball Club | Mobile electronic scoreboard | Ardlethan, NSW |
| Bribbaree Public Hall Reserve Land Manager | Facility upgrade | Bribbaree, NSW |
| Lachlan and Western Regional Services Inc | Condo Community Kitchen | Condobolin, NSW |
| Trundle Progress Association | Community Gym | Trundle, NSW |
| Brucedale Hall Committee | Kitchen fit out project | Brucedale, NSW |
| Tocumwal Preschool Kindergarten Association | UV Blockout Screens | Tocumwal, NSW |
| Riding for the Disabled (NSW) – Young Centre | Secure storage shed | Young, NSW |
| Naracoorte Primary School | Naracoorte Primary School Playground Upgrade | Naracoorte, SA |
| Inglestone Sports Club and Community Centre | Centre Refurbishment | Inglestone, QLD |
| Billa Billa Sporting and Recreation Club Inc | Playground Refurbishment | Billa Billa, QLD |
| Yelarbon Primary P&C Association | Yelarbon School Cricket Pitch and Nets | Yelarbon, QLD |
| Little Wings Limited | Little Wings Hospital Flights | Gladstone, QLD |
| Goondiwindi Swimming Club | Club apparel upgrades | Goondiwindi, QLD |
| Biloela Junior Cricket Association | Club defibrillator | Biloela, QLD |
| Spring Ridge Country Club | Facility upgrade | Spring Ridge, NSW |
| Pallamallawa School of Arts and War Memorial Hall | Fence Construction | Pallamallawa, NSW |
| Purlewaugh Cricket Club | Pitch replacement | Purlewaugh, NSW |
| Nyngan Water Ski club | Nyngan Water Ski Club New Toilet Block | Nyngan, NSW |
Want to learn more?
The GrainCorp 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, read more here.
