One thousand people in the Lake Macquarie area will have access to a weekly support session thanks to a $10,000 grant awarded to Communities Activities Lake Macquarie Incorporated from energy provider, Jemena.
Community Activities Lake Macquarie Incorporated (CALM Inc) sought funding to expand its monthly Morisset HUB which helps bridge the gap in local services, providing essential support for the financial, emotional, and social wellbeing of disadvantaged members of the local community.
Chief Executive Officer of CALM Inc, Rebecca Kelly said the organisation is thrilled to receive the grant from Jemena which has helped to bring the project to life.
"The ideas behind the HUB came directly from our community through the asset-based community mapping work our team undertook earlier this year. It's a powerful reminder that the community knows what it needs and we're so pleased to be able to respond with practical support like access to showers and laundry services," she said.
"This is a big step forward in creating a more inclusive and connected Southlakes community."
Now in its seventh year, Jemena's Community Grants Program has already provided about $870,000 in funding to 85 community groups. This includes $70,000 awarded earlier this year to initiatives supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
For its second round of grants in 2025, Jemena invited applications for initiatives that address disadvantage from not-for-profit organisations, schools, and charities delivering projects across Jemena's electricity and gas distribution networks. Pleasingly, this year, 16 community groups will share in over $163,000 of funding.
Craig Ypinazar, Jemena's Executive General Manager, People, Safety and Governance said the company was committed to supporting the most vulnerable in the communities in which it operates.
"Local volunteer organisations are at the heart of their communities. We can see from the type of applications we received that cost of living is still a major concerns for many in our community. These grants can go some way towards assisting those who really need it." Mr Ypinazar said.
"This year we have provided assistance to a range of different services including food programs, multicultural outreach programs, and an animal rescue that supports disadvantaged pet owners, especially those escaping domestic and family violence."
