Community Grants helping to strengthen community spirit

We're committed to giving back to communities and areas in which we operate. Our annual Community Grants program, now in its fifth year, is an important part of this commitment and helps important not-for-profit groups continue to make a positive difference and strengthen communities, particularly through education and social inclusion.

Yarning Circle – a place to connect and learn

The Lions Club of Torquay, one of 2020's successful grant recipients, put the funding towards a ‘Yarning Circle' project. This resulted in a permanent educational and cultural sharing place to learn more about the rich local Aboriginal history and hear stories from the Traditional Custodians of the Wadawurrung People.

The simple, welcoming seating ‘Circle' is situated as a centrepiece within a flourishing indigenous culinary community garden named ‘Getjawil Garden' (‘a garden for many'), where people can come to meet and catch- up, and learn about indigenous plants and flowers by feel, smell, touch, look and taste.

Particularly after lockdowns and restricted community movement, the Circle is a popular and appreciated spot, especially for those wanting to reconnect and learn more about the traditional custodians of the land. Local schools, early learning centres and local community groups are making good use of the space.

Strengthening relationships and making new ones

We're so pleased that our grant to help build strong communities has helped kindled a project that resonates with the local community at a time of much-needed social connection.

John De Witt, on behalf of the Lions Club of Torquay, said: “EnergyAustralia staff have been great to work with since day one of application throughout project fruition... We encourage organisations and associations to apply with a needed community project.”

Apply now

Interested in a Community Grant for your local organisation or group in Geelong and the Western District? For further information, application dates and how to apply, click here. Our priority areas for funding support education and social inclusion.

Grant applications open at 9 am Monday 2 August and close at 5 pm Tuesday 31 August 2021. Selection criteria and exclusions apply.