More than $103,000 of community grants have been awarded to not-for profit and community groups across the Horsham, Yarriambiack and Hindmarsh Shires, under the Murra Warra Wind Farm Grants Fund.

17 projects were funded through this year’s program, spanning across five categories: Education and Training, Sustainable Environment, Culture, Diversity and Arts, Sport and Recreation and Social, Health and Wellbeing. Strongly oversubscribed, grant applications received for funding totalled $265,000.

The independent grant selection committee allocated $20,000 to the Laharum Football Netball Club to upgrade the lighting at Cameron Oval, a vital hub in the heart of the Grampians community. “This investment will have a significant and lasting impact on our community. Improved lighting will enhance safety and accessibility for all sporting groups that use the oval, including our growing number of football and netball teams—particularly our female and junior participants. The upgraded facilities will also strengthen the oval’s capacity to serve as a base for emergency services and a Safe Neighbourhood site during bushfire events.

“We are incredibly grateful for contribution to this vital project, which supports both sport and community resilience in our region,” says Rowena Doyle, Secretary of the Laharum Football and Netball Club.

$14,679 was granted to the Dimboola Lions Club for their Public Place Container Deposit Collections Program. Committee member La Vergne Lehmann was thrilled to receive the grant, “the Dimboola Lions have a long history of focusing on recycling and what we do know is that if we make it easy for people to recycle then we get a better result. This grant will help us make it easier for people to recycle their cans and bottles in recognisable bins at various locations in Dimboola and at events.”

Chris Gulvin, Operations Manager of Squadron Energy’s Murra Warra Wind Farm said the team were proud to see the incredible list of initiatives that were using these funds to benefit the broader Wimmera community.

“It’s great to see the Murra Warra Wind Farm Community Grants Fund continue to enable grassroots organisations to drive meaningful change across the region,” Mr Gulvin said.

“This is a top priority for Squadron Energy – to make sure we provide benefits to the broader community and contribute positively to the regions where our projects are based.”

$13,420 was granted to the Yarriambiack Creek Development Committee to upgrade the Yarriambiack Creek Footbridge. “Our community will use the track for recreation, nature-based activities and as an active transport option (ride/walk to school and work), promoting low cost and accessible facilities for active and healthy lifestyles” said Chairman, Andrew Morcom.

There were 36 applications for the grants this year, the second highest number of applications since the Fund was started in 2021. “It’s been great to see such a strong response to this year’s grants round, with a 38 per cent increase in applications and the second-highest interest we’ve seen since the fund began. What stands out is how many local groups are backing themselves. Coming forward with practical ideas and making decisions that reflect what matters to their communities.”

“These grants don’t just fund projects they support local people who are putting in the time and effort to keep their communities strong, connected and moving forward” says Chris Sounness, CEO of Wimmera Southern Mallee Development.

The Dimboola Golf Club was granted $8,117 to purchase and install a 13.2 kw solar system to reduce overall costs for the Clubhouse.

Karen Fuller, the Manager of the Warracknabeal Neighbourhood House said the grant will allow for a wide variety of activities and training opportunities to take place. “This funding will enable us to deliver training and connectivity to communities beyond our geographic location. It will help reduce travel and allow people in our community to participate in meetings, training and other social engagement opportunities. We are grateful for the support from the MWWF Community Grants Program to enable us to purchase the required equipment”.

Other grant recipients include:

• Eastern Hindmarsh Landcare Network: A mole scan trip to Adelaide for farmers
• Field Naturalists Club of Victoria: Protecting nationally endangered and locally significant species in the Mali Dunes region
• Gariwerd Artists Collective: Mobile display boards to exhibit artwork
• Arapiles Historical Society: IT infrastructure upgrade
• Cooinda Burrong Scout Camp: Mattress upgrade
• Hopetoun Tennis Club: Equipment and facility upgrade
• Horsham Arts Council: Rehearsal shed upgrade
• Horsham District Landcare Network: Revegetation of property at Grass Flat and ecologist survey
• Horsham Rotary Club: Science and Engineering Challenge Program
• Jeparit and District Historical Society: Curation and Collection Management
• Nhill Basketball Association: Purchasing of iPads
• Winiam Hall: Purchasing gym equipment to host community fitness sessions.

The Murra Warra Wind Farm Community Grants program is administered by Wimmera Southern Mallee Development on behalf of Squadron Energy, with an independent selection committee consisting of Local Government and community members making the decisions on grant allocations.

More information regarding the grants program can be found at www.wsm.org.au or www.squadronenergy.com.

This article appeared in Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 30 July 2025.