Community initiatives to deliver real benefits across regional NSW

Grants have been awarded to 71 community groups from locations including Wagga Wagga, Yass, Coleambally, Lockhart, Muswellbrook, Glen Innes, Deniliquin and Moulamein.

More than 300 not-for-profit organisations across regional NSW have shared in $1.3 million under the Community Partnerships Program over the last two years.

General Manager of Community and Social Licence Michael Johnson said Transgrid is delighted to invest in a variety of initiatives that will deliver lasting and tangible benefits for local communities.

"These not-for-profit organisations are the backbone of their communities, and we’re proud to back projects that bring real, positive change to the lives of local people,” Mr Johnson said.

“We’re proud these grants will benefit sporting clubs, pre-schools, schools, service groups, Aboriginal organisations, memorial halls, and community support services, making a significant contribution towards improving the lives of local residents.

“We are dedicated to enhancing social and economic outcomes for local communities around our network, particularly where new clean energy transmission projects are being built or planned.”

Initiatives to be delivered by the community organisations include:

• Deniliquin Local Aboriginal Land Council – revegetation of local plants and bush food for harvesting
• St Josephs Primary School Jerilderie – amusements and entertainment for the Jerilderie Fun Fair 2026
• Upper Murray Community Radio Inc – equipment to facilitate a broadcast upskilling program
• Crookwell Lions Club – rescue equipment for lifeguards at local pools
• Urana Vintage Machinery Club Inc – fencing upgrade to safeguard and showcase machinery collection
• Lockhart and District Historical Society – a glass-enclosed community notice board
• Muswellbrook High School P&C Assoc – clocks to be installed throughout the school playground.
• Tarcutta Rural Fire Brigade – a generator for backup power supply during emergencies
• KidsXpress – trauma-informed therapy for three children
• Active Farmers Ltd – equipment for exercise classes

Moulamein Art Gallery will use its grant to buy painting equipment and conduct an expert tutorial on painting large canvasses.

Moulamein Art Gallery Secretary Jill Reed said: “We are a volunteer-run organisation and we are always looking for funding to offer the community opportunities they could not otherwise access.

“We never really have the opportunity to paint large canvasses, so we are grateful to be able to purchase easels and other equipment, and fund a special tutorial by artist Graham Hearn for our community.”

Colleambally Cricket Club will purchase much-needed training equipment ahead of the 2025-26 cricket season.

Colleambally Cricket Club president Shawn Iddles said: “We’ve recently upgraded our centre wickets and practice nets thanks to support from the local council, but our equipment stocks are running a bit low.

“We’re always looking for extra support to ensure we can continue to meet community needs, so we greatly appreciate this contribution from Transgrid.”

Collingullie Soldiers Memorial Hall will purchase ceiling fans so it can more comfortably accommodate community meetings during summer.

Collingullie Soldiers Memorial Hall committee member Anna Dennis said: “Ceiling fans were number one on the wish list for our local Country Women's Association branch, because they are seniors and really feel the heat.

“Collingullie is not a big community, so we are often overlooked for funding. We are absolutely thrilled with this generous donation.”

Applications for Round 2 of the 2025 Community Partnerships Program will open on Monday 29 September.

For more information, go to: https://www.transgrid.com.au/community/community-partnerships-program

Media enquiries: James Atkinson 0475 965 030 / james.atkinson@transgrid.com.au