Diverse benefits: Wind farm community grants awarded

FROM repair of an historic police lock-up to the installation of a life-saving defibrillator, the latest round of Berrybank Wind Farm community grants will enable a wide range of projects and improvements throughout Golden Plains Shire.

The 2025 round of Berrybank Wind Farm Community Grants has been awarded to six groups who will share in a total of $88,249 over the next three years to help deliver a diverse array of projects and events.

Haddon Fire Brigade has been awarded $12,000 for its LED sign repair/replacement project, Golden Plains Soccer Club received $17,924 for its rejuvenation project, and the Turtle Bend Committee has been allocated $15,000 over three years for its Teesdale Christmas Market and Carols event. ·

Camp4Cancer Geelong’s camping event in Murgheboluc has been backed by $11,700, the Woady Yaloak Historical Society has been given $13,000 for the Smythesdale Historic Police Precinct Upgrade, and Zineverleigh has $18,625 to work with over three years for the Exhibition of Tiny Art in Inverleigh.

Woady Yaloak Historical Society president Kylie Fenton said the backing was awesome.

“We are going to do a lot of work on the historic precinct,” she said.

“Of course all of these much needed repairs and repainting won’t start until summer but the overall vision is to do an upgrade of everything that needs doing.

“This includes painting of the historic police stables. We also have historic gallows at back that require some re-sealing of timber. The sexton’s shed needs repainting and there’s also some beautification of our garden that is much-needed.

“Our Smythesdale Historic Police Precinct is something precious for the community. We get a lot of groups coming through.”

Cr Emma Robbins said the precinct has considerable historical significance.

“But it’s also a really well used community space that people are really proud of,” she said.

Golden Plains Soccer Club president Donna Mott said her club is thrilled to be supported.

“This support will allow us to purchase some much-needed items that will make a real difference to the development of our club and its facilities,” she said.

“One of the most important additions will be an outdoor defibrillator, which will also be accessible to the wider community and supported by appropriate training.

“We’re also excited to improve our club’s visibility with entrance and facility signage, as well as invest in equipment that will enhance both our presentation and operations at events.”

Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Owen Sharkey said the projects awarded in the 2025 grant round would strengthen and celebrate local communities.

“This ongoing program continues to deliver vital funds for community events and projects which bring communities together,” he said.

“We thank Berrybank Wind Farm for its ongoing support to the local community.

“We look forward to these projects delivering numerous benefits to their communities through increased access to arts and culture, improved amenity to public spaces and increased physical activity.”

The Berrybank Wind Farm Community Grants Program provides funding opportunities to support local events and projects in Golden Plains.

Its Grants Committee has representatives from the farm, Golden Plains Shire Council and local community members. It advises on grant criteria, evaluates applications and recommends project for council support.

There is a minimum of one round of application opportunities each year with funding made available over the 15-year term of the agreement between the council and the Berrybank Wind Farm.