Jemena Supports 12 Community Organisations through 2024 Grants Program

Twelve community organisations providing food relief and other services for people experiencing disadvantage will share in $150,000 through Jemena’s 2024 Community Grants program.

This year’s grant recipients were selected from almost 100 organisations based in Jemena’s electricity and gas distribution areas in Victoria and New South Wales, as well as communities in Gippsland - close to Jemena’s Eastern Gas Pipeline.

Group Communications Manager Michael Pintabona said the company is committed to providing support to community organisations which make a difference in the communities where Jemena operates.

“Based on the applications for grants we received, as well as engagement with our customers, we understand a lot of people are continuing to experience cost-of-living pressures, so we’ve funded organisations addressing that in practical ways,” Mr Pintabona said.

“This year, we’ve provided grants to several food assistance programs including those that provide food service training for people who might experience challenges gaining employment.

“We’ve also funded initiatives that provide financial counselling, clothes and other items for kids entering foster care, and transport for older people at risk of social isolation to attend community events.”

Since the program’s launch in 2019, Jemena has awarded almost $800,000 in local grants to 78 groups working to leave a lasting legacy for their local communities.

The full list of recipients, locations and projects is below:

Georges River Life Care ($15,000)
Peakhurst, Sydney NSW

Georges River Life Care provides services to meet the needs and enrich the lives of vulnerable people in Georges River communities. The grant will contribute towards expanding a food hamper service through improved cool room and storage facilities, and vehicle maintenance expenses.

Barnardos Australia ($15,000)
Wellington, NSW

Barnardos Australia is a leading non-denominational child protection charity, supporting young people and families across NSW and the ACT. The grant will contribute to closing the gap for First Nations children aged 5-13 at the Yalmambirra Learning Centre which provides educational support, tutoring, nutritious meals, community connections and cultural activities.

Lifeline South Coast ($15,000)
Wollongong, NSW

The Lifeline South Coast Community Kitchen provides 50–100 meals per day to vulnerable community members. In addition, it provides a safe and comfortable environment that reduces social isolation, encourages compassionate conversations, and can provide a link to other local support services. Our grant supports increased demand for the service.

NourishED ($10,000)
Lake Macquarie, NSW

Nourished Australia is a charity dedicated to providing food and education support to the Lake Macquarie community. Our focus is on empowering individuals and families through access to nourishing food and educational resources. Our grant will go towards providing pantry staples.

The Big Lunch/Café VIVA ($15,000)
Bathurst, NSW

Cafe VIVA's vision is one of true inclusivity and equality, removing barriers for people living with disability to engage in real and meaningful employment, whilst justly being paid award wages. Our grant will help fund commercial grade kitchen equipment, supporting their weekly Big Lunch which provides vulnerable community members with a nutritious meal.

Mary McKillop Today ($15,000)
Central West NSW

Mary MacKillop Today’s Financial Literacy program, proudly supported by Jemena, supports people facing financial challenges - especially during the current cost-of-living crisis - and empowers them to take control of their finances so they can turn their lives around and thrive. Our grant will help support extra program sessions.

Biyani House ($15,000)
Revesby, Sydney, NSW

This the only dedicated women’s shelter in the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA. Since opening in January 2022, it has provided short-term emergency accommodation to over 127 women and their children in need. Our grant will help provide new white goods and appliances for units at the shelter.

Alex Makes Meals ($14,980)
Preston, Melbourne, Vic

Alex Makes Meals is a non-profit dedicated to providing nutritious meals to vulnerable individuals across Melbourne. Our grant will help deliver over 5,000 meals to those in need, helping ease food insecurity and hardship within our community.

Better Life for Foster Kids ($12,000)
Sale, Vic

A Better Life For Foster Kids works to improve outcomes for children in foster care and kinship care. Our aim is to preserve children’s dignity, improve their feelings of self-worth and lessen social stigma. Our grant will support more children through the Crisis Cases Program which provides clothes and other items for kids entering care.

300 Blankets ($15,000)
Braybrook, Vic

300 Blankets is an organisation dedicated to supporting people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in Victoria. Our grant will help deliver 220 meals per month to a client base of around 200 people, facilitate 37 haircuts and 31 laundry sessions to vulnerable community members in Braybrook.

Sunbury Senior Citizens ($4,000)
Sunbury, Vic

Sunbury Seniors offers an opportunity for older residents to socialise and make new friends, with a range of activities including cards, carpet bowls, day outings, guest speakers, free lunches and more. Our grant will support transporting senior members without cars or transport to their homes to club events, reducing the potential for social isolation.

Sunbury Softball Association ($3,100)
Sunbury, Vic

Sunbury Softball Association’s mission is to cultivate active participation in sport (particularly women and children). Our grant will support them to run their 2024-25 season.

For more information: www.jemena.com.au/communitygrants