Mary MacKillop Today will continue to provide vital financial literacy services across NSW's Central West area thanks to a grant from gas network Jemena.
The $15,000 grant was provided as part of Jemena's Community Grants program and will contribute towards funding the dedicated team who deliver Mary MacKillop Today's Financial Literacy program.
Mary MacKillop Today's Financial Inclusion Team Leader, Anita Van Dartel, said that as the cost-of-living soars, individuals turn to quick solutions such as payday loans to pay for bills and essentials.
"Grant funding, such as the support we have received from Jemena, will enable us to deliver tailored financial education sessions for hundreds of low-income earners, young people, Indigenous people and others experiencing disadvantage to help them build their financial capacity," she said.
Mary MacKillop Today's Financial Literacy Program is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial decisions, fostering long-term financial stability. It also provides access to government funded energy efficient product subsidies.
This year's grant recipients were selected from almost 100 organisations based in Jemena's electricity and gas distribution areas in Victoria and New South Wales.
Group Communications Manager, Michael Pintabona, said the company is committed to providing support to community organisations which make a difference in the communities where Jemena operates.
"Based on the applications for grants we received, as well as engagement with our customers, we understand a lot of people are continuing to experience cost-of-living pressures, so we've funded organisations addressing that in practical ways," Mr Pintabona said.
"This year, we've provided grants to several food assistance programs including those that provide food service training for people who might experience challenges gaining employment.
"We've also funded initiatives that provide financial counselling, clothes and other items for kids entering foster care, and transport for older people at risk of social isolation to attend community events."
Since the program's launch in 2019, Jemena has awarded almost $800,000 in local grants to 78 groups working to leave a lasting legacy for their local communities.
2024 Jemena Community Grants recipients include:
Victoria
- Better for Life Foster Kids, Sale - $12,000
- Alex Makes Meals, North-West Melbourne - $14,980
- 300 Blankets, Braybrook - $15,000
- Sunbury Senior Citizens, Sunbury - $4,000
- Sunbury Softball Association, Sunbury - $3,100
New South Wales
- Barnardos, Wellington - $15,000
- Lifeline South Coast, Wollongong - $15,000
- Biyani House, Sydney - $15,000
- NourishEd, Lake Macquarie - $10,000
- The Big Lunch, Café VIVA, Bathurst - $15,000
- Georges River Life Care, Peakhurst - $15,000
- Mary MacKillop Today, Bathurst - $15,000
