The McGowan Government, through Horizon Power’s Community Partnerships Program, is proud to award funding of $425,618 to 55 community organisations across regional and remote Western Australia.

The Community Partnership’s Round 6 funding builds on almost $600,000 awarded to 59 community organisations in September 2022 and extends the McGowan Government’s strong legacy of partnering with regional communities.

Horizon Power’s Community Partnerships Program is focused on supporting sustainable and vibrant communities in the regional energy provider’s service areas – the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne/Mid-West and Goldfields-Esperance.

Funding will benefit a range of community organisations and events across regional and remote WA. This includes sporting associations, arts and cultural groups, women’s groups, animal welfare organisations, Aboriginal corporations, community resource centres and local governments.

Horizon Power is proud to be partnering with organisations in the West Kimberley which are delivering initiatives supporting communities impacted by the devastating floods.

The West Kimberley partnerships, valued at $70,000, will support two initiatives from the Fitzroy Valley Rodeo Club – the Recreational Equine Assisted Learning and Therapy program and urgent repairs to flood damaged infrastructure, to help enable the 2023 Fitzroy Crossing Annual Campdraft and Rodeo event.

Twenty-five per cent of new partnerships in Round 6 have been signed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander registered organisations. This includes the refurbishment of the Middle Beach amenities at Ardyaloon (One Arm Point), in the West Kimberley, which is a culturally important location for community members.

Round 6 partnerships continue to reach communities into Horizon Power’s more remote service areas. This includes funding for the Leonora Local Drug Action Group, which is engaging the most vulnerable youth in the local and neighbouring communities, through its Connect and Grow Basketball Project. The program will be delivered across particular towns in the Goldfields and Mid-West.

Funding will also support the reinvigoration of the Marble Bar Community Resource Centre, so they can host community events and attract visitors to support the economic development of the Pilbara town.

Horizon Power’s partnerships also help local governments deliver accessible community-led events and initiatives, such as the Shire of Meekatharra’s 2023 Meeka Outback Festival in the Mid-West. A multi-year partnership with the Broome Aboriginal Media Association’s program will culminate in the Kimberley, Pilbara and Goldfields Girl showcase events over the next three years. Other partnerships include furnishings for Onslow Men’s Shed’s new facilities and the creation of a vibrant kids’ space for families at the Gascoyne Growers markets.

WA Energy Minister Bill Johnston said, “Horizon Power’s Community Partnerships Program plays a significant role in fostering vibrant communities in regional and remote Western Australia. This program recognises the changing needs of communities, and we are proud to be able to support organisations which are delivering benefits to these regions, including those impacted by the devastating floods.

“As WA’s regional energy provider, Horizon Power values the relationships it has with passionate community members and organisations who are developing grassroot programs which are making a real difference in the regions. This program helps enable these initiatives to deliver positive outcomes and empower our communities.” he added.

The Community Partnerships Program provides funding of up to $50,000 to successful organisations and events. Key evaluation criteria ensure successful applications are strategically aligned, deliver benefits in the Horizon Power service area, demonstrate clear community outcomes, and have a positive impact on a large portion of the community.

Applications for Horizon Power’s 2023/24 Community Partnerships Program will open in early August 2023.

More information here