Regions to receive $700,000 power up

Support for Aboriginal peoples’ employment pathways and a sustainable sports program for local youth are among the initiatives in a $700,000 Horizon Power funding round.

About 73 community programs and initiatives targeting sport, health, education and the arts across regional Western Australia will receive funding of up to $50,000 from the state government through Horizon Power’s Community Partnerships Program.

The grants constitute the first round of funding from the $1.1 million investment allocated in July 2020.

Fair Game Australia, which provides health and fitness programs and recycled equipment to underserviced communities, is among the successful applicants, receiving funding to support programs in the Kimberley, Pilbara and Mid-West.

In the Gascoyne and Goldfields, a sustainable sports program delivered by the Stephen Michael Foundation and aimed at engaging local youth will also receive funding.

Energy Minister Bill Johnston also said that supporting Aboriginal peoples’ employment pathways and education outcomes was a key priority.

Glass Jar Australia which is the charity arm of Netball WA, and the Clontarf Foundation which aims to improve the education, life skills, and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men are set to receive funding.

The second round of applications will open in February 2021.