This year's successful Jemena Community Grants recipients include critical community projects ranging from literacy programs for Aboriginal children, to providing food for those in need, to bringing laughter and connection to people in aged care.
In total, seven projects in Melbourne's north-west have received Jemena Community Grants.
- Aboriginal Literacy Foundation, Tullamarine, City of Hume
- $10,000 for a six-month post-COVID-19 literacy catch-up program
- Australian Chaldean Family Welfare Association, Campbellfield, City of Hume
- $10,000 to support activities for young people to connect with their community and other services, following the impacts of COVID-19 and challenges of lockdowns
- Hume Men's Shed, Craigieburn, City of Hume
- $10,000 to purchase new woodworking equipment for members to continue coming together to make free and low cost furniture for the local community
- The Humour Foundation Laughter Care Program, Ascot Vale and Broadmeadows, City of Moonee Valley and City of Hume
- $10,000 for the Foundation, known for Clown Doctor visits to young hospital patients, to provide connection for isolated aged care residents through laughter and performance
- Flemington People's Pantry, Flemington, City of Moonee Valley
- $10,000 for additional food essentials and running costs for their van to help their efforts to feed between 80-100 households each week
- Orygen Assist Program, Glenroy, City of Moreland and City of Hume
- $5000 for start-up costs for the Orygen Assist Program, seeking to help vulnerable and low-income young people access critical food, clothing and hygiene products from Orygen's five Headspace centres in Melbourne's north-west
- J Beekeeping Club, Diggers Rest, City of Melton
- $1850 for new equipment, including additional bee-keeping suits, to support their efforts in educating the community about bees and helping protect biosecurity
Jemena has announced it will provide about $170,000 to community organisations in north-west Melbourne, where it delivers electricity to more than 380,000 homes and businesses, and in NSW, where it delivers gas to more than 1.5 million customers through its gas distribution network.
Jemena's General Manager of Corporate Affairs Ian Israelsohn noted that the company was pleased to deliver its largest-ever grants program to a wide range of incredible initiatives.
"What's important to our customers and their communities is important to us – we know people are continuing to navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and mounting cost-of-living pressures," Mr Israelsohn said.
"The last few years have made it really tough for a lot of community programs to continue, and many people are seeking help to ensure others in their communities can stay socially connected, have access to the essentials they need, and have meaningful activities or opportunities to look forward to.
"Through our 2022 grants program, we are delighted to put our support behind some incredible initiatives – from school reconciliation projects to care programs for the elderly, pop up health clinics, free haircuts for people experiencing homelessness, and training and work opportunities for those who may otherwise miss out.
"We're very proud this is not only our largest investment in community grants, but also the largest number of programs we've been able to fund through Jemena Community Grants."
Since the program's launch in 2019, Jemena has proudly awarded over $500,000 in local grants to 51 groups, supporting critical emergency relief, mental and physical health, education and other benefits for thousands of Australians.
Jemena also provides support to community members who may need additional help navigating the energy sector and taking control of their energy bills through its Uniting Energy Assist program. This program has helped participants save around $650 on their energy bills on average.
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