Eleven Mid West, Gascoyne initiatives receive funding under Horizon Power community partnerships program

Eleven Mid West and Gascoyne community groups and events — ranging from a community garden to a community outback festival — will now be able to expand their horizons. Through Horizon Power, the State Government hands out $1.1 million each financial year to regional community initiatives and events, with $542,575 allocated to 66 regional organisations last October. Horizon Power’s community partnerships program has awarded $468,888 to 57 community organisations and events in regional and remote WA. Since 2020, the program has provided $4.5m to more than 450 regional initiatives. Mid West and Gascoyne recipients of the latest round include the Exmouth Community Garden for growing fruits, native and bush tucker foods; and the Shire of Meekatharra, to put towards the 2024 Meekatharra Outback Festival. Other lucky recipients include Carnarvon Golf Club, to refurbish its dated clubhouse; Carnarvon Heritage Group Inc, to help preserve and refurbish a rail carriage; Carnarvon’s State Emergency Service, for search and rescue mobility; Gascoyne Gymnastics Club and Ngala Community Services, for the Carnarvon Community College Garden. Rounding out the latest local grants are the Shire of Cue for NAIDOC community celebrations; the Shire of Sandstone for its Community Canvas; the Shire of Shark Bay for the Beats in the Bay 2024 Festival; and St John WA’s Exmouth sub-centre for a communications equipment upgrade. Energy Minister Reece Whitby said: “I’m pleased to see such enthusiasm for Horizon Power’s community partnerships program . . . this is a fantastic achievement, and I am pleased to see the program’s latest round supporting 57 programs and events in our regions.” Applications for the program’s next round will open in mid-July. For further information, go to www.horizonpower.com.au/community.