Creating a wave of community impact

Community and not-for-profit groups looking for financial support have until 25 July to apply for Southern Ports’ latest round of Community Investment Program (CIP) funding.

More than 120 groups and programs received community investment support from Southern Ports over the past year including 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 Chief Executive Officer Aditya Asthana said its Community Investment Program has 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 $5,000 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 purchase 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 click here.