News

Grants of up to $10,000 each are now available through EnergyAustralia’s Geelong Community Grants program. Now in its sixth year, the program supports community projects and initiatives within Geelong and the Western District that are focussed on improving education and social inclusion.

EnergyAustralia’s Customer Care Leader, Jim Salter-Duke, said his team is committed to making a difference to local communities.

“EnergyAustralia is one of the largest employers in Geelong, with hundreds of people in our contact centre. Our people love these grants and the positive impact they have on their own community,” said Jim.

“This year we’ll distribute a total of $20,000 in grants to community groups who can address key social issues impacting our region. We encourage applications from organisations located in the City of Greater Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast Shire and further west in Colac and Warrnambool,” he said.

“Last year EnergyAustralia Geelong awarded funding to three worthy initiatives – the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club’s Starfish Nippers, the Lions Club of Torquay’s Yarning Circle Project and Geelong Mums’ Sleep Soundly Project – and we look forward to receiving many more deserving applications.”

EnergyAustralia grants are awarded to projects based on their potential to benefit Geelong and the Western District in two key areas:
• Education: Projects aimed at promoting education and knowledge acquisition (includes those with a social or environmental focus and organisations that support career or skill development)
• Social inclusion: Projects aimed at facilitating social inclusion and community cohesion (includes but is not limited to upgrading communal facilities, improving local amenities, and supporting vulnerable community members).

Since its inception, EnergyAustralia’s Geelong Community Grants program has distributed about $100,000 to local organisations. EnergyAustralia employees are also each given two paid volunteering days per year. This year, the Geelong contact centre has already undertaken more than 300 volunteer hours.

Applications for EnergyAustralia’s Geelong Community Grants program open on Monday 2 August 2021 and will close at 5:00 pm on Tuesday 31 August 2021. For more information on the grants and to apply visit: energyaustralia.com.au/about-us/sustainability/our-community/geelong-community-grants