Members of Sunbury Senior Citizens Club Inc. [Sunbury Seniors] will be able to attend events and social engagements more easily, thanks to a community grant from electricity network, Jemena.
The $4,000 grant which was delivered as part of Jemena's Community Grants Program will assist older people who no longer drive to catch taxis and Ubers to and from events.
Sunbury Senior's President, Louise Zambello said grants like these help Sunbury's older residents stay connected to their community.
"Most of our members have lived in Sunbury for many years and have strong connections here. Helping them with transport to attend events encourages them to stay connected with their friends and reduces the isolation that older Victorians often experience," she said.
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 Seniors, 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 McKillop Today, Bathurst - $15,000
