All abilities athletes from the NSW Wheelchair Rugby Leage will be first to the try line thanks to a grant from energy provider, Jemena
NSW Wheelchair Rugby League received funding to provide team uniforms for mixed-ability players across regional NSW, promoting inclusion and visibility for athletes with and without disabilities.
NSW Wheelchair Rugby League Chairman, Brad Turnbull said grants like these help foster inclusivity in sport.
"Wheelchair Rugby League is a sport of true inclusion. It's not just for people with disabilities — it's for their families, friends, and communities. In this game, everyone plays side by side: disabled and able-bodied, men and women, children and veterans. It does not discriminate. It unites," he said
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."
