Southern Ports grants on offer

SOUTHERN Ports in Western Australia has supported more than 120 community groups over the past 12 months in its community investment program.

And it’s offering its next round of financial support for community and not-for-profit groups with submissions closing on 25 July.

Last year’s recipients include Relay for Life in Bunbury, an Indigenous surfing program in Esperance, the construction of a new bike shelter at Spencer Park Primary School in Albany and Tangaroa Blue’s beach clean-ups.

Southern Ports acting CEO, Aditya Asthana, said the community investment program had made a significant difference through its regions.

“Over the past five years we’ve invested close to $1.5 million into community groups across our South West, Great Southern and Goldfields-Esperance regions which has had an enormous impact,” said Mr Asthana.

“We’ve seen a host of new educational and research programs, new community infrastructure, as well as a range of events that have added vibrancy to our regions.

“With grants of up to $5000 available, we are always on the lookout for new initiatives that have a lasting positive impact on our regions.

“This program is all about Southern Ports investing in our communities in a really direct manner.”

One of the recent recipients was Lockyer Community Kindy which received a grant to buy new outdoor play equipment.

Kindy teacher Caryn McWhirter said the grant has been a huge boost as the group is community-based and relies on fundraising for all their equipment.

“Having the extra funding has been absolutely amazing – the equipment is enjoyed by up to 80 students and will be used for many years to come,” said Ms McWhirter.

“The application process was pretty easy - once we started, we found it straight forward and we were left wondering why we didn’t do it sooner.”

Applications for the first round of the funding program are now open to eligible organisations in the Great Southern, Goldfields-Esperance and South West regions until 25 July.

To find out more about Southern Ports Community Investment Program or to apply visit Southern Ports and search Community Investment Program.