Community
4 June, 2025
Funding flows under latest scholarships
COMMUNITY groups have shared in $55,000 under the latest round of grants and scholarships from Mortlake South Wind Farm developer Acciona Energía.
This year 17 local organisations and two university students will benefit from funding under the 2025 Mortlake South Wind Farm Small Grants and Scholarship Program.
Included among those to receive funding was $2500 towards the Music Homestead Festival, $1600 for Woorndoo Chatsworth Landcare Group to support their community day, $2000 for the Noorat and District Agricultural and Pastoral Society to purchase recycling deposit containers for the Noorat Show, $1000 for the Terang Returned and Services League sub-branch to support Morning Melodies and $1000 for the Warrnambool Breastfeeding Centre to upgrade the parents lounge.
Sporting organisations also cashed in on the funding with $2700 allocated to the Terang Mortlake Football Netball Club for female footballer breast protection, $3100 for Terang Olympic Basketball Association to upgrade the shot clock, Mortlake Golf Club receiving $5000 for golf course upgrades and an irrigation upgrade and $2500 for South West Working Equitation to improve the dressage area.
Schools also received a boost with Neil Porter Legacy receiving $1600 to fund the trade expo for Mortlake and Hawkesdale students while Mortlake P-12 received $5000 in funding for a plastics shredder and extruder project, St Colman’s received $5000 for a rejuvenated STEAM learning space and Terang Kindergarten received $5000 for playground improvements.
In addition, Mortlake P-12 College student Letitia Howat and Mercy Regional College student Ben Henderson each received $5000 to support them in covering their university expenses.
Another funding recipient was the Victoria State Emergency Service Mortlake Unit.
They received $2500 to purchase a much-needed upgrade to their outdoor lighting, creating a safer environment for volunteers as they navigate the premises during emergencies and training exercises.
Currently, the inadequate lighting poses a safety hazard for volunteers and visitors, especially during night-time operations and emergency callouts.
Acciona Energía’s community benefits lead, Erin Mulquiny offered a heartfelt congratulations to the 2025 grant recipients, highlighting the program’s ongoing impact on local organisations and students.
“It’s exciting to see the lasting impact of the Mortlake South Wind Farm Small Grants and Scholarship Program on our community,” she said.
“Every year, we witness firsthand how these grants empower local organisations and individuals to drive positive change.
“This program isn’t just about funding, it’s about fostering strong connections, supporting important local initiatives, and ensuring that our community continues to thrive.
“We’re proud to be part of that journey.”
To celebrate the recipients, Acciona Energía hosted a morning tea at Macs Hotel in Mortlake last Thursday, providing an opportunity to congratulate the successful applicants and highlight the strong ties between the wind farm and the community.
Marking its seventh consecutive year, the program has delivered over $300,000 in grants and shared benefits funding since its inception, strengthening Acciona Energía’s commitment to local development.
The Mortlake South Wind Farm Small Grants and Scholarship Program will open applications for its next round in January 2026.
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