Recipients of the Ventia community grant gathered with members of the ELT

Community groups across the Pilbara, Roxby Downs, Surat Basin, Toowoomba, Gladstone and the Northern Territory regions have received $72,000 through the latest round of community grants from Ventia.

Established in 2011, the program provides funding assistance of up to $2,000 per applicant per round to support activities and projects that provide lasting community benefits in areas such as community, education and training, health, Indigenous, safety and youth.

Being part of a community group can have a positive effect on mental health and emotional wellbeing. Community involvement provides a sense of belonging and social connectedness.
 

Making infrastructure work for our communities - meet some of the grant recipients 

Emily Meredith from Dymocks Children's Charities said the grant would be used for its Library Regeneration Program which provides new books to replenish school libraries.

The grants we received from Ventia allows schools to select brand-new books suitable for the needs of their students and their curriculum. With the $12,000 we have been given by Ventia, we can provide a total of approximately 1,200 books across six schools in areas that Ventia operates, giving 2,990 students access to a much-needed updated library offering.

stock photo of children reading in a library

The grant can provide approximately 1,200 books across six schools for Dymocks Children's Charities' Library Regeneration Program.

 

Another grant recipient, Karratha Community House Operations Manager Kat Kellow was excited to receive a grant for its Little Explorers program, a 10-week play-based leaning program for young children.

"Our Little Explorers program supports children in their development of social confidence, emotional wellbeing, language and communication development, positive separation and self-help skills. All these skills are encouraged in a play-based learning environment that the children absolutely love."

"We have had such positive feedback from families about the program and it has become so highly sought after, terms are fully booked before the previous term has ended."

Stock photo of children playing together in a playground

The Little Explorers program supports children in their development of social confidence, emotional wellbeing, language and communication development.

 

A positive impact

Ventia's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dean Banks said through every decision and action we take, we have an opportunity to make a positive impact on the people and the world around us.

Creating strong community ties is part of our DNA. We want to grow, build and enable the communities we operate in. Not only is it the right thing to do, it also means a healthy a thriving community for our people and clients and future generations.

"Since the launch of the program over a decade ago, more than $533,000 has been distributed to 323 community groups, schools, aged care providers, sporting clubs and other small organisations in the regions where we have key operations," said Dean.

Community grants 2023

The next round of community grants opens June 2023. Eligible groups may apply for funding of up to $2,000. For more information visit: www.ventia.com/page/community-grants 
 

Community groups who received funding through Ventia's 2022 community grants program:

  • Far North Football League
  • Dymocks Children's Charities (in multiple regions)
  • Roxby Districts Sporting Club
  • Koolyangarra Kindergarten Association
  • Gladstone Seafarers Centre
  • Gladstone Chamber of Commerce & Industry
  • Katherine Women's Information and Legal Service 
  • Arafura Wind Ensemble 
  • Rotary Club of Litchfield/Palmerston 
  • Top End Early Learning Centre
  • Fannie Bay Equestrian Club
  • CareFlight NT
  • Palmerston and Regional Basketball Association
  • Darwin Chorale
  • Tennis NT
  • Palmerston Rovers Football Club
  • Wildcare Incorporated 
  • Nightcliff Amateur Swimming Club
  • Toowoomba City Bowls Club
  • Oakey Community Care Committee
  • Cancer Patients Foundation
  • Story Dogs
  • The Lighthouse Toowoomba
  • The Yoga Partnership
  • Chinchilla Community Commerce & Industry
  • Karratha Community House 
  • Doer Group 
  • Nickol Hawks Cricket Club
  • Karratha Touch Association
  • Earth Garden Foundation 
  • Nickol Junior Soccer Club
  • Karratha Gymnastics Club