From sport to safety and social connection, grassroots projects across the Oberon and Bathurst LGAs receive funding boost
The Pines Wind Farm has now delivered $100,000 to grassroots projects across the
Oberon and Bathurst Local Government Areas (LGAs), backing local ideas that are
making a real difference.
From bringing local sport back to life, to helping young children learn road safety, and restoring historic community spaces, the Early Community Sponsorship Program is supporting practical, community-led ideas that are improving everyday life.
The funding reflects two years of sustained investment in local initiatives, building momentum behind the people and organisations who keep communities connected, active and supported.
TagEnergy Managing Partner – Australia, Andrew Riggs, said the milestone highlights the strength of community connection in the Central West.
“What stands out is not just the projects themselves, but the people behind them,” Mr
Riggs said.
“These are volunteers, educators and community leaders who see a need and step up. This program is about giving them the support to turn those ideas into something real.”
Stromlo Energy Managing Director Matthew Parton said delivering funding early in the project lifecycle is critical.
“It’s important that communities see tangible benefits from the outset, not just once a project is built,” Mr Parton said.
“This program is about supporting local priorities early, building long-term relationships with communities across the Central West, and delivering benefits that endure.”
Oberon Netball Club is returning for the first time since COVID, with the grant enabling the club to relaunch, reduce costs for families and support new teams, helping more women and girls get back into sport.
Arts OutWest will deliver Joined At The Art, an intergenerational arts program bringing together school students and aged care residents through a series of structured creative workshops, designed to boost wellbeing, reduce isolation and strengthen community connection during the winter months.
Galloping Gumnut Mobile Children’s Service is creating a dedicated bike track for children aged 0 to 5 at its centre in Oberon, providing a safe, structured space to learn road awareness and riding skills through play, benefiting families across Oberon and O’Connell.
In Black Springs, St Aidan’s Village Church, a historic and non-denominational space that has long served as a pillar of the local community, will be repainted and restored, ensuring it can continue to welcome and support residents for years to come.
Funding has also supported the Black Springs Community Association Inc to progress a community-led mobile connectivity solution, which is currently in development to improve access to mobile service in key locations across the village.
For recipients, the funding is already translating into real outcomes.
Oberon Netball Club President & Fundraising Co-orientator Tara Love said the funding has helped remove barriers for local families.
“It’s made it more affordable for girls to get back into sport and be part of a team again, which is so important in a small community,” Ms Love said.
Arts OutWest Project Facilitator Catherine McNamara said the program is designed to create meaningful connections across generations.
“Our project brings together young people and people living in aged care in structured art workshops during the cold months of Oberon’s winter, clinically shown to be a time when the risk of depression is high,” Ms McNamara said.
“We’re aiming for improved health outcomes, including physical exercise, cognitive function, and social connection for both groups,” she said.
Galloping Gumnut Mobile Children’s Service Director, Nominated Supervisor, and Teacher, Carol Drummond, said the project will create new opportunities for children to learn through play.
“It gives the children a safe, dedicated space to ride while also learning important road safety skills. It’s something we simply wouldn’t have been able to deliver without this support,” she said.
St Aidan’s Village Church Association representative Alan Pearce said the restoration will ensure the space remains part of community life.
“This is a place that brings people together, and we’re delighted to be able to preserve it for future generations,” Mr Pearce said.
Funding in this round has been awarded to:
- Arts OutWest
- Black Springs Community Association Inc
- Galloping Gumnut Mobile Children’s Service
- Oberon Netball Club
- Oberon Showground Land Manager
- St Aidan’s Village Church Association Inc
The Early Community Sponsorship Program provides $50,000 in funding each year during the project’s planning and approvals phase.
To date, the program has supported 24 projects across the Oberon and Bathurst LGAs, with more to come.
Applications for Round 5 of the Early Community Sponsorship Program are now open, with submissions closing on 31 August 2026.
More information and online applications: thepineswindfarm.com.au/sponsorship.
