- Fourteen Kimberley not-for-profits and schools receive grants for worthy local projects
- Communities to benefit from grassroots initiatives that uplift, empower and connect
- Water Corporation scheme has supported 132 projects since 2016
- Funded by sale of Rhodes grass hay grown using recycled water
Fourteen grassroots groups across the Kimberley have shared in nearly $80,000 in funding through Water Corporation's Kimberley Community Grants Scheme, supporting projects that uplift and connect local communities.
Ceremonies were held in Broome and Kununurra last week to celebrate this year's recipients, ranging from Aboriginal youth organisations to local bands, sports clubs and historical societies.
In Fitzroy Crossing, Wangki Yupurnanupurru Radio, a trusted voice in the valley for more than 35 years, received $10,000 to upgrade its broadcast studio. Improvements will boost reliability and ensure the station continues to keep communities informed, connected and entertained.
Meanwhile, Fitzroy Valley District High School received funding to create a multimedia exhibition celebrating the Fitzroy River, an iconic life force in the Kimberley. The project will give students a creative outlet to share their stories.
In Wyndham, the Wyndham Youth Aboriginal Corporation will use its grant to help create a vegetable garden and greenhouse, engaging young Aboriginal people in employment pathways and practical skill-building.
Funded through an innovative collaboration between Water Corporation and the Lions Club of Broome, the grants are made possible by sales of Rhodes grass hay.
The hay is grown using recycled water from Broome North Water Resource Recovery Facility, an approach that turns water reuse into community investment.
Now in its ninth year, the program offers grants of up to $10,000 for initiatives that promote community wellbeing, environmental stewardship and inclusion. Since 2016, it has delivered more than $745,000 in funding to 132 community organisations across the Kimberley.
From murals and music to bush food gardens and hygiene upgrades, this year's projects reflect the region's vibrant spirit and determination to invest in its people.
For more about the Kimberley Community Grants Scheme, visit: watercorporation.com.au/kcgrants
As stated by Water Minister Don Punch:
"At its heart, this grants scheme is about supporting the people who know their communities best. These are grassroots projects driven by locals, for locals, and it's a privilege to help bring them to life.
"From edible gardens and youth programs to cultural exhibitions and solar upgrades, these grants reflect the pride, creativity and care that Kimberley communities have for their region and one another.
"Water Corporation's Kimberley Community Grants Scheme has now delivered more than $745,000 in funding to local organisations since 2016, and every dollar has gone directly into projects that build connection, opportunity and long-term impact.
"It's an excellent example of a sustainable, circular economy and reflects the fact that wastewater is no longer something to be wasted."
Comments attributed to Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"It's inspiring to see how local organisations use this funding - they take a small grant and create lasting impact.
"These initiatives truly enhance our Kimberley communities, and my gratitude goes out to Water Corporation for their unwavering support."
2025 Recipients
Group and location |
Grant |
Initiative |
Ewin Early Learning Centre, Kununurra |
$4,604.00 |
Installation of outdoor handwashing facilities for better hygiene habits. |
Judo Broome |
$5,000.00 |
To establish a Judo club and create a vibrant Judo community in Broome. |
Enterprise Partnerships WA, Lombadina |
$5,000.00 |
A three-day camp and workshop series at Lombadina for First Nations women from across the Kimberley. |
Kununurra Race Club |
$10,000.00 |
Purchase marquees and fencing to provide more shade and fenced areas at community events. |
Broome Town Band |
$3,416.35 |
Support to set up a new rehearsal space at Broome Lotteries House as well as new uniforms and scores. |
Fitzroy Valley District High School |
$5,000.00 |
Multimedia exhibition that tells the story of the Fitzroy River, an iconic life force in the Kimberley. |
Broome Historical Society |
$3,939.00 |
Install rooftop solar at its State Heritage-listed site, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. |
Broome Senior High School P&C Association Inc |
$2,600.00 |
Install a mural on the outside wall of the school gymnasium to visually represent the diverse school community playing sport. |
East Kimberley College Parents and Citizens' Association Inc, Kununurra |
$6,238.38 |
Expand school canteen services to include an additional day of service and upgraded equipment for better, healthier food choices. |
Wangki Yupurnanupurru Radio, Fitzroy Valley |
$10,000.00 |
Studio upgrade to improve broadcasting reliability and accessibility across the Fitzroy Valley. |
Backroom Press Inc |
$5,000.00 |
Q+A session with an established author and a writing workshop. |
Wyndham Youth Aboriginal Corporation |
$10,000.00 |
Construction of a greenhouse and vegetable garden. |
Kangaroo Haven |
$4,125.00 |
Upgrading the road to Kangaroo Haven, allowing access for the community year-round. |
St Mary's College Broome |
$5,000.00 |
Establish an edible garden and a native bush food garden combined, for hands-on learning. |
