BESIX Watpac gives big at special ceremony

NATIONAL construction company BESIX Watpac has given $56,900 to eight local charities for the benefit of the Geelong community.

Representatives from the charities were in attendance at a special ceremony hosted by BESIX Watpac and Kardinia Park Stadium Trust at GMHBA Stadium to receive crucial funds to assist in running various programs.

BESIX Watpac general manager for Victoria and South Australia Simon Ballard said the donations were from the BESIX Watpac Community Fund, and staff had also donated goods and time to charitable drives for local groups.

“We are supporting a variety of important causes through our BESIX Watpac Community Fund to improve literacy support for young people, provide education and employment pathways, and supporting Indigenous and local community health and wellbeing services in the G21 region.

“We’re also engaging with the community at the grassroots level, working with them to deliver community events and activities while facilitating educational project tours, fundraising and fostering that community spirit through volunteering.”

Kardinia Park Stadium Trust chief executive officer Gerard Griffin joined Mr Ballard during the ceremony to distribute the grants, which went to:

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative – Servicing the needs of the Aboriginal community, including supporting career pathways events and the creation of a local men’s AFL team, the Djilang Warriors

Barwon Health Foundation – Project North appeal to improve dental oral hygiene and relocate a dental unit servicing Norlane, Corio and Whittington

Ladder – A Mentoring Program for young people to connect with mentors such as AFL players, business and community leaders

genU – A profit-for-purpose community to help vulnerable people reach their potential and provide disability, aged care, business and community services and NDIS co-ordination and assistance

Geelong Mums – A non-profit organisation supporting families in need by recycling and rehoming nursery equipment including cots, prams, and car seats, as well as clothes and other baby essentials

Geelong Cricket Club Women’s Program – Supporting women’s participation in cricket with a women’s program and teams in 2022-24

Read the Play – Working in collaboration with local sporting organisations to deliver a mental health literacy program for young people under 18, and

Mark West Foundation – Providing financial assistance and scholarships to financial disadvantaged children to enable them to play Australian Rules football.

Barwon Health Foundation executive director Zoe Waters said the donation would assist her organisation in reaching the initial Project North appeal goal of $2.5 million to support healthier futures for those living in the 3212, 3213, 3214 and 3215 postcodes.

“We’re incredibly grateful to receive $10,000 from the BESIX Watpac Community Fund and are delighted to have BESIX Watpac join our philanthropic community as a Project North Founding Partner.

“We thank them for sharing our vision for a healthy, happy, more equal Greater Geelong.”