- Regional community investment scheme open for community groups to apply
- Previous example includes support for food insecurity initiatives across WA's southern regions
- New regional partnerships with Foodbank WA and Thommo's Community Garden to deliver local infrastructure upgrades and meals to families in need
Southern Ports has today opened its latest round of funding for regional community groups across the South West, Great Southern and Goldfields-Esperance.
The program has provided over $1.5 million of funding to grassroots community groups over the past five years, through grants of up to $5,000.
Applications are open for Southern Ports Community Investment Program until 24 October with more information on eligibility available on its website.
Previous recipient, Thommo's Community Garden received a $5,000 community grant for infrastructure upgrades, where volunteers spend more than 200 hours a week to grow fresh fruit and vegetables for Foodbank WA's Bunbury branch.
Foodbank WA, a beneficiary of both Southern Ports and Thommo's Garden, is the Western Australian arm of the nation's leading food-relief organisation. It has provided 9.2 million meals to Western Australians over the past 12 months.
A $25,000 commitment from Southern Ports will also see its corporate partnership extended with Foodbank WA to deliver more than 21,000 meals to households across the South West, Great Southern and Goldfields-Esperance regions in 2026.
A long-term Foodbank supporter, the 2026 partnership brings the total number of meals funded by Southern Ports within the South West, Great Southern and Goldfields-Esperance regions to 66,000.
Alongside its financial commitment, Southern Ports has supported Foodbank WA through corporate volunteering, matched giving for regional community fundraisers, and 'grocery drives' over the past year.
As stated by Ports Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Supporting grassroots initiatives, such as Thommo's Community Garden, to make their own meaningful contributions is precisely why the Southern Ports Community Investment Program exists. These improvements to the facility's outdoor space will make such a big difference to the many volunteers who keep the garden running.
"Southern Ports' support for Foodbank WA has a tangible impact on families across the State's southern regions. This support will see more than 21,000 meals in the hands of those who need them most.
"These initiatives are a shining example of the Cook Government's work to relieve cost of living pressures for Western Australian families."
As stated by Bunbury MLA Don Punch:
"The community funding and support Southern Ports provided to more than 35 local groups in the South West last year continues to strengthen our region.
"Thommo's Community Garden is a hidden gem in Bunbury that provides fresh and organic produce to people in our community who need it most.
"With added benefits for Foodbank WA these community partnerships are a win for everyone involved."
As stated by Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks:
"Regional communities across the South West, Great Southern and Goldfields-Esperance regions are great at helping each other out, and our Community Investment Program is there to lend an extra hand.
"Our drive to create opportunities throughout our regions goes beyond facilitating trade, it is about strengthening our communities.
"We're also proud of what we've achieved in partnership with Foodbank WA and we're excited to see that continue."
