Two community projects based in inner-city Sydney – one providing school holiday programs and the other providing hospitality industry and life-skills training for disadvantaged and at-risk people – were this week announced as Jemena Community Grant recipients.
The Settlement Neighbourhood Centre, which provides programs for local families across Darlington, Redfern and Waterloo and surrounding areas, will receive a $10,000 grant to support its Children's School Holiday Program, which provides access to arts and cultural activities and excursions for kids who may otherwise miss out.
PlateIt Forward, based in Darling Harbour, will receive an $8000 grant to expand their 'Ability Social' paid hospitality training program which equips participants to work in a full-scale production kitchen, as well as training in life skills like financial literacy.
Jemena has announced it will provide over $170,000 to community organisations in NSW, where it delivers gas to more than 1.5 million customers via its New South Wales Gas network, and in north-west Melbourne, where it delivers electricity to more than 380,000 homes and businesses.
Jemena's General Manager of Corporate Affairs Ian Israelsohn noted that the company was pleased to deliver its largest-ever grants program to a wide range of incredible initiatives.
"What's important to our customers and their communities is important to us – we know people are continuing to navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and mounting cost-of-living pressures," Mr Israelsohn said.
"The last few years have made it really tough for a lot of community programs to continue, and many people are seeking help to ensure others in their communities can stay socially connected, have access to the essentials they need, and have meaningful activities or opportunities to look forward to.
"Through our 2022 grants program, we are delighted to put our support behind some incredible initiatives – from school reconciliation projects to care programs for the elderly, pop up health clinics, free haircuts for people experiencing homelessness, and training and work opportunities for those who may otherwise miss out.
"We're very proud this is not only our largest investment in community grants, but also the largest number of programs we've been able to fund through Jemena Community Grants."
Since the program's launch in 2019, Jemena has proudly awarded over $500,000 in local grants to 51 groups, supporting critical emergency relief, mental and physical health, education and other benefits for thousands of Australians.
Jemena also provides support to community members who may need additional help navigating the energy sector and taking control of their energy bills through its Uniting Energy Assist program. This program has helped participants save around $650 on their energy bills on average.
F
