We work closely with community leaders in the South Burnett to build a strong, long-term future for the region, and to create transformative economic and social opportunities for our neighbours and First Nations peoples.

We do this by listening, learning and responding to the community’s diverse perspectives and priorities, and providing support through initiatives like the Tarong Community Partnership Fund. The Fund is dedicated to helping projects that build social connectedness; lead to increased employment; improve access to critical services; enhance educational opportunities; or build economic capacity, preparedness and resilience in South Burnett communities.

The successful applicants for the first round of funding in 2022/23 include the Nanango & District Netball Association, who are using their grant to purchase and install eight permanent shade sails at the Nanango netball grounds.

“We used to have removable shade sails that took quite a while to put up and take down,” club president Katie Mangan explains, “but since they were damaged a decade ago we haven’t had any sort of shade available there.

“Now, with this funding, we’re able to provide shade at all times for our spectators and for the players on the bench, and ensure that attending a game here is sun-safe and comfortable.”

Katie says the shade sails will also be enjoyed by the wider community, who use the facility for a variety of purposes.

“The netball facility isn’t just used by the Netball Association,” she explains. “Local schools also play their games and run after-school activities here. And people come here to use our flexi-surface courts for all sorts of reasons, from roller skating to dog walking. It’s a community facility that anyone can use.”

This funding round has also supported:

• Burnett Island Economic Development Organisation Inc (BIEDO) to establish their ‘Flavours of the Burnett’ brand and facilitate a series of workshops

• Bloomin Beautiful Blackbutt Festival Inc to commission a mural for the community

• Gordonbrook Rural Fire Brigade to connect their new station building to power

• Nanango Panthers Soccer Club to purchase an inflatable soccer field for their early years soccer program and community events

• Disability enterprise South Burnett CTC to paint the exterior of their Gumnut Place building

Katie encourages all community groups in need of support for eligible projects to apply for the Tarong Community Partnership Fund.

“Stanwell’s support for our Nanango and South Burnett community makes a real difference,” she says. “I’d definitely recommend anyone who’s working on a worthwhile project to put their hand up, because it’s been great for us.”

Are you taking part in a project that’s enriching the communities surrounding our power stations? For further information or to apply to our Community Partnership Fund, visit our community page or contact us on (07) 4960 9251 (South Burnett) or (07) 4930 3683 (Central Queensland).