Fifteen community groups and not-for-profit organisations have received a funding boost from the first round of CS Energy’s Community Investment Program for FY2019.
The groups from the Western Downs, Banana and Somerset shires are sharing in more than $110,000 in funding from the program.
CS Energy Head of Corporate Affairs Nev Conway said the sponsorships ranged from $1,000 to $20,000 and supported projects, events or activities that benefited the local community.
“CS Energy places a strong emphasis on contributing to the social and economic wellbeing of the communities that host our operations,” Mr Conway said.
“Successful sponsorship applicants range from iconic events such as the Chinchilla Melon Festival to initiatives supporting education, youth and the arts.”
The Downs Industry Schools Co-Operative (DISCO) will use their grant of almost $15,000 to upgrade their Dalby facility where young people learn how to transition to work or further education and training.
DISCO Dalby Site Manager Le-Anne Callaghan said many of their clients were ‘at-risk youth’, who faced barriers to learning or employment.
“Our current youth space has donated furniture that has definitely seen better days, plus it has no air conditioning or heating,” Ms Callaghan said.
“This grant will help us provide a warm welcoming environment that many of these young people don’t receive at home.”
Above: CS Energy sponsorship enabled DISCO staff to purchase much-needed new furniture for their Dalby facility. Pictured from left are Youth Worker Trainee Gracey Turner, Youth Training Program Coordinator Nicole Fagen and Dalby Site Manager Le-Anne Callaghan.
Another of the successful applicants, the Callide Dawson Machinery Club, will use their grant of $14,000 to purchase new function and event equipment at the Queensland Heritage Park in Biloela, which is run by volunteers.
Callide Dawson Machinery Club President Craig Cooper said the new equipment would make it easier and less costly for community groups, businesses and individuals to use their facilities, without the added burden of having to hire additional equipment from elsewhere.
“This grant will also enable us to purchase safe storage for the new equipment and remove old seating and tables that had become unsafe due to their age and general wear and tear,” Mr Cooper said.
Above: The Callide Dawson Machinery Club will use their grant to purchase new function and event equipment at the Queensland Heritage Park.
Near Wivenhoe, Mercy Community Lowood Hub will use their grant to purchase supplies for the Lowood Community Pantry and Book Exchange.
Mercy Community Lowood Hub Coordinator Shannon Fitzsimmons said the Community Pantry aims to connect Lowood families doing it tough with necessities such as non-perishable food items, toiletries and clothing.
“Community members in need can find the pantry at the front of the Lowood Hub during business hours on weekdays and help themselves to items they need,” Miss Fitzsimmons said.
“The entire project is based on donations, because providing emergency relief and necessities is not what our core, funded business at Lowood Hub is. But how can you deny such essential needs which remain unmet from funding gaps in the community. Generous businesses like CS Energy help us meet these needs."
Round 1 recipients
- 84th Annual Callide Valley Show 2019
- Biloela Christmas Festival 2018
- Biloela Panthers Rugby League Club construction of a shade shelter
- Banana Shire Art Gallery’s Brigalow Arts Festival 2019
- Callide Dawson Machinery Club and Queensland Heritage Park capacity building project
- Downs Industry Schools Co-Cooperative (DISCO) facilities upgrade in Dalby
- Chinchilla Community Commerce and Industry Inc.’s One Long Table event 2018
- Brigalow Bush Carnival 2018
- Lapunyah Art Gallery’s Digital Arts Project. Lapunyah will purchase equipment to offer free photography and digital art workshops to the local community.
- Kogan State School Beautification Project. Support for Kogan State School to revitalise their outdoor learning spaces and install a garden that the students will care for.
- The STEM Hub at Chinchilla State School. Contributing to building a dedicated STEM classroom at the primary school.
- Dalby Lions Club Health Awareness Program, who will work with local primary schools to install vegepod kits and teach children about healthy eating and health awareness.
- Chinchilla Melon Festival 2019
- Esk Garden and Lifestyle Fair 2019
- Donation to purchase supplies for the Lowood Community Pantry and Book Exchange
Round 2 of CS Energy’s community investment program will open in late December 2018 and close in February 2019.