Local organisations in Far West NSW are receiving funding support from energy provider Transgrid to strengthen their offering, including improved services, facilities, and grassroots initiatives that bring people together.
Following October 2024’s severe storm and associated power outage, Transgrid has committed $500,000 to community groups, ensuring long-term improvements across the region. Due to strong demand, the first round of funding was increased by $100,000 to allow more projects to move forward.
A total of 44 not-for-profits, from emergency responders to cultural and sporting groups, have secured grants of up to $10,000 to enhance their work.
Broken Hill Community Incorporated, for instance, will install new kitchen stoves at its community centre, making it easier to host public events and private gatherings. Vice President Janet Siddall said the upgrade will allow volunteers to better serve the community by offering a more functional space.
“Previously, people had to bring food in, but the new stoves will allow us to hire out the entire venue and people can prepare hot food on site for functions.
“All our work here is done by volunteers, so this is a huge help and means our space becomes more useable and it will give us more variety for functions and will be an asset for the entire community.”
Menindee RFS Headquarters Brigade is investing in UHF radios to improve emergency communication in areas with limited mobile coverage. Brigade Secretary Rob Woods emphasised that this upgrade will “fill a critical gap” and enhance safety during major incidents.
“We’ll use this funding to purchase UHF radios so we can stay in contact with other local emergency services during major incidents and this will fill a critical gap in communications and keep people safe during major incidents when we may not have mobile coverage.
“It would take us a long time to fundraise the amount needed to buy this equipment and we are very grateful for this support from Transgrid.”
- Baaka Cultural Centre (Wilcannia Aboriginal Corporation)
- Broken Hill Community Incorporated
- Broken Hill Soccer Association
- Country Women’s Association of NSW Tibooburra Branch
- Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation
- NSW Rural Fire Service – Menindee Headquarters Brigade
- PCYC Broken Hill
- RSPCA NSW
- Silverlea Employment and Training Service Inc.
- Tourist Association White Cliffs
With applications for a second funding round opening soon, more local initiatives will have the opportunity to secure support, helping Far West NSW continue to go from strength to strength.
