Residents in need will be served up a fresh cup of coffee at the Hope Street Dubbo Neighbourhood Outreach Program – delivered by BaptistCare – thanks to a $10,000 grant from energy provider, Jemena.
The grant will fund a new coffee machine, grinder, and food provisions, creating a welcoming space for community connection and support services, while helping to address social isolation and disadvantage within the community.
BaptistCare Dubbo Hub Manager, Kristine Holland said the funding makes it possible to offer practical care and nutritious meals to community members, while encouraging dignity, connection, and hope for everyone involved.
"Thanks to the generous support from Jemena's Community Grants Program, the Dubbo Neighbourhood Outreach Program can now enjoy a brand-new coffee machine, grinder, and food provisions," she said.
"This support empowers BaptistCare to continue spreading kindness and making a real difference to the lives of people we help in the Dubbo 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 footprint. 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 concern 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."
