Community groups are being urged to put their projects forward for the next round of the Tarong Community Partnership Fund.
The fund selectors look for community projects to support which boost economic capacity, strengthen preparedness and resilience, and genuinely improve the quality of life in Stanwell’s communities.
General Manager, Southern Generation, Mick Joy stated that the Tarong power stations and Meandu Mine had been part of the South Burnett community for more than 40 years.
During those four decades, the partnership fund has become an important part of Stanwell’s commitment to the region.
“The funding partners with our local community groups, to help them deliver real outcomes for the region and supporting initiatives that matter to the people who live and work here,” Mr Joy said.
“In the 2024-2025 financial year alone, Tarong power stations and Meandu Mine invested almost $400,000 across 73 incredible community groups, helping to bring their projects and events to life across the South Burnett region.”
The fund has helped various projects come to fruition across the region, including recently assisting the Kingaroy Hospital Auxiliary group in their bid to install a new, unique non-invasive ventilator at the Kingaroy Hospital.
“The partnership fund supports our communities to shape their preferred futures, with a strong focus on the long-term sustainability of our host regions,” Mr Joy said.
The latest round of the Tarong Community Partnership Fund helped support five South Burnett community groups with their projects.
The Kingaroy Touch Football Association will be able to upgrade their irrigation system at the shared community sportsgrounds, ensuring high-quality playing fields all year round, thanks to their successful partnership fund application.
The Nanango Golf Club were also recipients, with their funding going towards building the region’s first Par 3 golf course, which will be accessible and inclusive for all golfers of all ages and abilities.
Down the road, the Nanango Theatre Company will improve accessibility and capacity at their community theatre, ensuring inclusive access for all.
The Cherbourg State School were also successful with their application, with funds to support a short video project. The school plans to produce a series of short videos featuring local Wakka Wakka community members sharing their career journeys and showcasing local role models who reflect the students’ cultural identities.
Finally, the South Burnett CTC received some Tarong funding towards the redevelopment of their Kingaroy Youth Park Stage 1 project. CTC plans to develop a sustainable, purpose-built hub which enhances crisis support, education and job readiness for young people and families across the region.
“The Tarong Community Partnership Fund is incredibly important to us, and the projects we support are as diverse as the groups that apply for funding,” Mr Joy said.
“Whether it’s sporting clubs, schools or not-for-profits, it’s about adding value to the communities that we operate in and ensuring their sustainability into the future.”
Tarong representatives enjoy catching up with the different groups to see how the projects progress.
The Yarraman Heritage Centre previously received funding from the Tarong Community Partnership Fund.
The centre’s president Frank Hodgkinson shared they have now installed solar panels and a battery which has helped reduce the centre’s electricity bills by more than 60 per cent.
“The money we’ve saved is now able to be put towards maintaining the museum and operating the radio station, as well as enhancing our community engagement activities,” Mr Hodgkinson said.
“The radio station serves as a true companion to many, and we host meal nights once a month. It’s an important way to foster social connection, especially for many elderly people in our community who may otherwise feel isolated.
“It’s great to be somewhat self-sufficient now to our own energy needs and its rewarding for the many volunteers, that spend their free time ensuring the museum and radio station are around for generations to come.”
To be eligible to apply for the latest fund, projects must meet at least one of the below criteria:
• Facilitates a collaborative approach to social connectedness
• Leads to increased employment
• Improves access to and/or sustainability of existing critical services
• Enhances educational opportunities and personal leadership
• Builds community economic capacity, preparedness and resilience
Applications are now open and will close on Monday, 1 September. For more information, email sponsorship@stanwell.com, call 4160 9251, or visit stanwell.com/community
