Glenrowan Solar Farm has announced the recipients of its 2025 Community Benefit Sharing Program grants.

Wangaratta District Specialist School, North East Tracks LLEN, Oxley Shire Hall, Wangaratta Landcare, Boorhaman Recreation Reserve, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Border Benchwarmers Inline Hockey and Pangerang Community Hub were the successful applicants for the annual benefit sharing program, which is funded by solar farm developer and owner Pacific Partnerships.

The grants have supported a wide range of community groups for the past three years.

“With a total of $50,000 in funding distributed across eight outstanding projects, this year’s successful initiatives will support social, environmental, and economic outcomes for the Rural City of Wangaratta,” said Pacific Partnerships’ managing director Graham Whitson.

“Our focus is on community-identified goals of building local resilience, enhancing energy literacy, and fostering social and environmental wellbeing.

“Glenrowan Solar Farm is thrilled to support community-led initiatives that will make a real difference.

"The funded projects showcase the diversity of our region,” he said.

Grant applications were assessed against the grant guidelines by the independent local community members who make up the Glenrowan Solar Farm Community Reference Group.

The grantmaking process was facilitated by local nonprofit community capacity-building organisation, Into Our Hands Community Foundation.

Sylvie Huigen, Into Our Hands Community Foundation executive officer said,

“It is a privilege to support the community in accessing the resources Glenrowan Solar Farm has on offer, and to facilitate the Community Reference Group’s thoughtful and robust decision-making processes to ensure the resources will make the most impact for the community,” she said.

Wangaratta District Specialist School will use the $8600 grant for building student employability skills through restoring the school greenhouse and carrying out native plant propagation.

North East Tracks LLEN will use their $4600 to support the regional Hands on Trades and Careers Expo, which introduces students to important local industries

Oxley Shire Hall Community Asset Committee will use their $3500 for insulation upgrades for the historic Oxley Shire Hall to increase energy efficiency and improve comfort for users.

Wangaratta Landcare and Sustainability – Bush Regeneration Team will spend the $5200 they receive to continue weed removal and regeneration efforts on the banks of Three Mile Creek, with the Community Correctional Services Workmate Team, to encourage a stable, healthy ecosystem

Boorhaman Recreation Reserve will use the $9000 grant to upgrade the furniture at Boorhaman Hall for versatile community use.

Big Brothers Big Sisters (Wangaratta) will receive $5000 which will go towards mentoring for young people needing support by a stable volunteer adult.

Border Benchwarmers Inline Hockey Club will invest their $5200 to purchase junior inline hockey gear so every child can participate.

Pangerang Community Hub Inc received $8,900 which will go towards providing a weekly opportunity for community connection and free IT support in Glenrowan through the provision of the Glenrowan Community Café and Digital Support Hub.

The Glenrowan Solar Farm Community Benefit Sharing Program, managed in collaboration with the Into Our Hands Community Foundation, will continue to deliver $50,000 annually over the next decade.

If you would like to know when community grant rounds open, please sign up to the Into Our Hands Community Foundation email newsletters at intoourhands.com.au.

If you would like to enquire about joining the Glenrowan Solar Farm Community Reference Group please contact Into Our Hands Community Foundation on 0466 252 866 or info@intoourhands.com.au.