Local organisations across the Greater Western Water (GWW) region are being encouraged to apply for Greater Western Water's Thriving Communities grants program before applications close on 22 April 2026.
The Thriving Communities grants fund community‑led activities that promote sustainable water use, care for Country and the environment, and community cohesion. Eligible organisations can apply for grants of up to $5,000 or up to $20,000, depending on the scale and scope of their project.
Greater Western Water General Manager Strategy and Partnerships Kessia Thomson said the grants are designed to empower local communities.
"When communities are connected, prepared and supported, they are better able to withstand shocks such as drought, floods, storms and social disruption," Ms Thomson said.
"We encourage eligible community groups to apply before the 22 April deadline and take advantage of this opportunity to deliver projects that respond to real local needs," she said.
Romsey Neighbourhood House is one of several local organisations benefitting from the program, using the funding to refurbish its community crisis support trailer, an essential resource during floods, bushfires, storms and prolonged power outages.
Manager Michelle Balthazar from Romsey Neighbourhood House Inc said the grant has made a critical difference.
"Without the GWW grant, we wouldn't have been able to undertake the work needed to upgrade our invaluable community crisis support trailer, which was quite worn and run down," Ms Balthazar said.
Project Lead Sue Hayes said access to funding opportunities like the Thriving Communities grants is vital for grassroots organisations.
"As a Neighbourhood House, we rely heavily on volunteers and operate with very limited funding, so receiving a grant makes a significant difference," Ms Hayes said.
The purpose‑built, portable crisis support trailer allows the Romsey community and surrounding towns to respond quickly during emergencies. Romsey is susceptible to floods, severe storms, in a bushfire zone and does not have a designated neighbourhood safer place or place of last resort."
"The trailer provides essential, on‑the‑spot support including mobile phone charging, hot and cold water, showering facilities, refrigeration and cooking appliances. There is no other service in the region that can provide this level of immediate community‑based response," Ms Hayes said.
Funding from the grants program can be used for program coordination, materials, training and workshops, venue hire, project development, research and evaluation.
Applications are open to incorporated or registered not‑for‑profit organisations based in GWW's service area.
Visit the Thriving Communities website
