Queensland community groups in areas impacted by bushfires and other natural disasters are being encouraged to apply for grants of up to $5000 from the 2020 Ergon-Energex Community Fund.
Executive general manager for community, customer and corporate affairs Michael Dart said the financial support would provide a much-needed boost for successful applicants after another challenging summer, with a total of $100,000 to be shared across Queensland.
“We welcome applications from any grassroots groups with big ideas to help their communities thrive and we especially want to hear from those who have been directly impacted by bushfires or have supported their communities during tough times,” Mr Dart said.
“Through last year’s Ergon-Energex Community Fund we were able to help a number of community groups in areas devastated by Queensland’s record monsoon event, like Townsville and Julia Creek.”
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Organisers of the annual Saxby Round-up put their $5000 grant towards a major clean-up of their facilities north-west of Julia Creek.
“Our sincerest gratitude is extended to Ergon Energy, who gave us the courage to start our recovery works by awarding us a Community Fund grant,” Saxby Round-Up president Colin Blacklock said.
“Further to this, Ergon crews worked exceptionally hard in our region post-flood and we are beyond grateful to them for their efforts.”
The Townsville Toy Library replaced resources to put smiles on little faces in a city that is still feeling the impact of last year’s catastrophic flooding.
“This grant has provided a huge number of resources and toys for Townsville children with sensory and intellectual disabilities,” Townsville Toy Library’s President Erin Kiernan said.
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“It allowed us to access an amazing range of supportive resources and toys for our families, who truly deserve the support.”
This year’s Community Fund recipients will also be eligible for the People’s Choice Ballot where Queenslanders have the chance to vote for their favourite initiative to receive an additional $5000.
Last year’s winner was the Sunshine Coast charity Salty Souls Legacy, which aims to build mental health, resilience, pride and connection for at-risk students referred from local schools and services.
“We are proud to support a wide range of projects that make Queensland communities safer, smarter, stronger and better places to be,” Mr Dart said.
“The Ergon-Energex Community Fund recognises that even the smallest initiatives can make a big difference.” Applications for the Ergon-Energex Community Fund close on Friday, March 27. For more information or to apply visit www.ergon.com.au/communityfund.
