Murray Irrigation community grants program open for applications

Murray Irrigation is inviting local community groups to apply for funding under its 2024 Community Sponsorship Program.

Opening on Monday, 6 May, applicants have until Monday, 3 June to submit their applications.

Now into its seventh year, the company’s annual grants initiative supports a broad range of projects and activities that promote community participation, safety and wellbeing within our region. 

Last year’s program delivered $15,000 in funding to five community initiatives. These included the purchase of goggles for young Berrigan War Memorial Swimming Pool users, the relaunch of the Berriquin Community Toy Library after a seven-year hiatus, the creation of a sensory garden for Deniliquin High School students, a campaign run by the Local Health Medical Trust to raise funds for health services for the Barham/Koondrook communities, and an upgrade of amenities at the Wakool Services Club to include a wheelchair accessible toilet facility.

Wakool Services Club Manager, Pam Timms, said the club's upgrade works are set to begin shortly and will be completed by the end of the June. A number of club members are also volunteering their time and expertise to see the project through to fruition. 

"This project will greatly benefit both members of the community, as well as visitors to our area, by providing wheelchair access to our toilet facilities which, prior to this grant, we were unable to offer," Ms Timms said.

"Along with our wheelchair access ramps, this amenities upgrade will now complete the picture for wheelchair users, giving them opportunity to engage in community and social events that we hold on a regular basis or to just come in to the club to enjoy a meal and a social drink. 

"On behalf of the Directors and members of the Wakool Services Club, I would like to extend our appreciation to Murray Irrigation for the opportunity to use the grant money to complete this upgrade."

CEO Ron McCalman said Murray Irrigation is proud to invest in local initiatives that contribute to the social, cultural and environmental fabric of the local region. 

“We are delighted to be able to support innovative community-driven projects that benefit local people and, ultimately, help communities across our service footprint thrive,” Mr McCalman said. 

“I would encourage organisations and groups keen to make a positive difference in their local community to submit their applications by 3 June.” 

Murray Irrigation’s annual Community Sponsorship Program is made possible through the support of the company’s customers.

Further information, including selection criteria and application forms, is available on the Murray Irrigation website: www.murrayirrigation.com.au/sponsorships.