General News
12 August, 2021
Funding recipients share new ideas
REPRESENTATIVES from community organisations across Mortlake, Noorat and Terang came together last week to recognise community initiatives which have received support through grants from Mortlake South Wind Farm developer Acciona.
REPRESENTATIVES from community organisations across Mortlake, Noorat and Terang came together last week to recognise community initiatives which have received support through grants from Mortlake South Wind Farm developer Acciona.
Acciona provides funding to local community groups and organisations as part of their annual Sponsorship Program.
The program, aimed at supporting initiatives which contribute to the sustainable development of the community, has committed $40,000 in funding across 14 local community groups and organisations as part of the 2021 program.
This includes almost $14,000 funding for local schools and repeat funding for multi-year projects creating long-term legacies for the community.
The groups met to celebrate the community initiatives at a morning tea on August 5, at the Mortlake Soldiers Memorial Hall.
The event provided an opportunity for representatives from the participating organisations to come together and highlight the initiatives which received funding and discuss ideas for long-term projects which could add value to the community.
Community groups to receive funding include:
Terang College Energy Breakthrough Program – $1500;
Crank It Racing – $1000;
Terang and District Historical Society – $879;
Noorat and District Residents Association – $4000;
Mortlake College – $1950;
Camperdown Toy Library Hands on learning – $1548;
Mortlake College Community Health – $5423;
Athletics South West Vic Inc Turbines – $1625;
Noorat and District A&P Society Inc – $2500;
Terang RSL – $1240;
WestVic Dairy – $2500;
Terang Art Show – $5000;
Terang Bridge Club Card – $2000;
Terang Mortlake FNC – $2000;
Mortlake Mens Shed – $3000; and
Terang and District Indoor Sports and Recreation Centre – $2894.
“We are really pleased that we can continue supporting the groups and organisations that do such important work in these communities,” Acciona managing director Brett Wickham said.
“Acciona developed, built, and will operate the Mortlake South Wind Farm, so we are part of the local community for the long-term and want to make sure we’re actively fostering community wellbeing and supporting initiatives that matter.
“The sponsorship and small grants program will continue for the life of the wind farm.”
Mortlake Men’s Shed vice president Steve Moloney and secretary Rob Cargeeg said they were appreciative of funding, which had helped the club purchase a new electric stove.
“The old oven was on its way out,” Mr Moloney said.
“During the winter months we each put on a hot meal, and it was getting that old we couldn’t keep it going long enough. The elements would be too hot or not hot enough.
“We had to cancel our meals due to COVID-19 but we’ve had a batch of scones made and they turned out great.”
Noorat Show secretary Vicki Marr said around a decade of support from Acciona was greatly appreciated.
“They’ve been terrific supporters of the Noorat Show, and we’re very grateful to have them,” she said.
“We’re particularly grateful for last year when we didn’t have a show.
“A lot of sponsors might have asked for the money back but they still supported us, which was extremely generous.”
Noorat and District Residents Association representative Anna Conheady said the $4000 grant would allow for stage three of the Noorat walking track to commence along Glenormiston Road.
“It has given us the opportunity to continue the walking track that we started, which originally started in Terang and came to Noorat, and now we’ve taken it around up to meet the Mount so now people can do a lap of town and incorporate the Mount in their walk as well,” she said.
Terang and District Historical Society’s Margaret McIntosh said the funding was used to purchase an iPad to help document the history of Terang as it occurred.
“We go around regularly and photograph the various buildings,” she said.
“It might just be that they’ve had a facade change, but it’s all part of documenting our history for the future.
“We’re very thankful to have that to use and we’ll also be able to use it for interviews, so we appreciate the funding.”
Acciona established the Mortlake South Wind Farm community sponsorship and small grants program in 2010. Since then, it has contributed more than $215,000 to local community groups in Mortlake, Noorat and Terang.
For more information visit www.acciona.com.au/mortlake.
