37Community Sustainability Grants Program

Progress

On time

Not started
Planning
Implementation
Continuous

OBJECTIVE
Support community groups to generate renewable energy and improve energy efficiencies at community facilities.
IMPACT
Medium
Reduce Council's Scope 3 emissions for projects involving leased Council buildings. Reduce community-generated emissions and help community groups to raise awareness and build local capacity to respond to the challenges of climate change.

Since 2018/19, Council has provided financial support for community-led climate action via our Community Sustainability Grants Program.

The program provides grants to support local community groups to generate renewable energy and improve energy efficiencies at community facilities, and to raise awareness and build local capacity to respond to the challenges of climate change.

Council currently allocates approximately $20,000 each year to the program.

Click here to find out more about the program including how to apply.

The program supports:

Projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the community and work towards a Net Zero future through improved sustainability, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and supporting emerging emissions reduction technology.
Capital projects that reduce the energy costs for community facilities and strengthen their long-term financial sustainability and climate adaptation.
Building capacity of community groups working towards sustainability outcomes aligned to Council’s policies, plans and strategies.

The program is eligible to projects within Indigo Shire, and applicants (or auspice) must be incorporated community organisations. The program was originally named the Community Facilities Energy Upgrade Grant Program.

Tasks

What are we doing?

30/06/2025
Osbornes Flat Community Centre Inc - Community Sustainability Grants (2024/25)
PROJECT: Osbornes Flat Hall Reducing our Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
Replacement of four gas heaters with electric radiant heaters that have been designed to match the existing space in the hall and provide an appropriate level of comfort for hall users. This is stage two of renewable energy works at the hall, following the recent installation of additional solar panels, battery and generator plug-in point.
GRANT RECIPIENT: Osbornes Flat Community Centre Inc.
FACILITY OWNER: Osbornes Flat Community Centre Inc.
GRANT AMOUNT: $5,033
30/06/2025
Beechworth Urban Landcare & Sustainability Inc - Community Sustainability Grants (2024/25)
PROJECT: BULS support for Indigo Environment Strategy.
Continued environmental restoration of a number of landcare sites at Lake Sambell and the surrounding area, to improve waterway health and restore natural habitat through weed control and revegetation with indigenous species.
GRANT RECIPIENT: Beechworth Urban Landcare & Sustainability Inc.
FACILITY OWNER: DEECA (Council - Committee of Management)
GRANT AMOUNT: $4,299
30/06/2025
Rutherglen Lawn Tennis Club Inc - Community Sustainability Grants (2024/25)
PROJECT: Shining the Light on Rutherglen Tennis.
Replacement of halogen lights on four of the towers with energy efficient LED lights, and replacement of current wiring with bird proof systems to withstand Corella attack.
GRANT RECIPIENT: Rutherglen Lawn Tennis Club Inc.
FACILITY OWNER: Council
GRANT AMOUNT: $10,000

What has been done?

26/09/2024
Beechworth Community Early Learning Centre - Community Sustainability Grants (2023/24)
PROJECT: Water Tank Utilisation
The project enabled an existing water tank to be plumbed in, so that rainwater could be captured, stored and used on the garden and in the Centre. Having access to an independent water source eliminates the need to close the Centre if there are issues with the municipal water supply, ensuring continuity of care.
GRANT RECIPENT: Beechworth Community Early Learning Centre
FACILITY OWNER: Indigo Shire Council
GRANT AMOUNT: $1,819
31/08/2024
Totally Renewable Beechworth - Community Sustainability Grants (2023/24)
PROJECT: Home Sweet Zero: Home Energy Efficiency Training
The project enabled five Indigo Shire residents to receive training as volunteer assessors, to enable them to provide home energy efficiency inspections.
A home energy efficiency inspection is a professional evaluation of how your home uses energy.
Assessors identify areas where improvements can be made, from insulation and heating systems to lighting and appliance use. Residents receive practical recommendations to enhance efficiency and save money.
As a result of the grant, these volunteers can now offer free home energy efficiency inspections to residents, helping them reduce energy waste, lower their power bills, and make their home more comfortable.
GRANT RECIPENT: Totally Renewable Beechworth (TRB)
FACILITY OWNER: N/A
GRANT AMOUNT: $4,530
30/06/2024
Beechworth U3A Incorporated - Community Sustainability Grants (2023/24)
PROJECT: Keep the Warmth in and the Weather Out
The project aimed to mitigate heat loss/gain through the building's windows and glass doors by installing blinds on all glassed areas.
Thank you, lndigo Shire! We are hoping that the blinds will contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of our building (keeping out hot weather in summer and assisting with the retention of heat in winter).
GRANT RECIPENT: Beechworth U3A Incorporated
FACILITY OWNER: DEECA (Council as Committee of Management)
GRANT AMOUNT: $1,565
01/05/2024
Quercus Neighbourhood House Beechworth - Community Sustainability Grants (2023/24)
PROJECT: Adaptation of Quercus Garden to Sustainably Meet a Changing Climate
The project sought to create shade to enhance the Quercus food gardens and reduce exposure of volunteers and visitors to increasing climatic extremes.
The grant has enabled the gardens to be more sustainable – to better grow and share garden produce, and to share ideas and knowledge about sustainable garden practice.
The garden beds have been modified to become more water efficient.
Electric tools and equipment used by Quercus gardeners were purchased to further transition to interchangeable rechargeable battery.
The existing Grow Free Stand has been extended to enable visitor education about sustainable garden practices as well as providing more food and produce to share.
GRANT RECIPENT: Beechworth Quercus Neighbourhood House
FACILITY OWNER: Indigo Shire Council
GRANT AMOUNT: $4,182
01/05/2024
Osbornes Flat Community Centre - Community Sustainability Grants (2023/24)
PROJECT: Osbornes Flat's Community Resilience Future
This project was designed to build resilience for Osbornes Flat and surrounding community, with a focus on community readiness to plan for, respond to, and recover from power outages and emergencies.
Note: Osbornes Flat Community Hall is NOT a registered 'Neighbourhood Safer Place' (e.g. not a place of last resort).
The project has added an additional 4.73 KW solar PV system and new inverter, a 19.3 kWh battery, and a single phase generator plug for a portable generator connection to the hall.
GRANT RECIPENT: Osbornes Flat Community Centre
FACILITY OWNER: Osbornes Flat Community Centre
GRANT AMOUNT: $9,000 (overall project cost $24,945)
"Importantly, this project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build our communities ability to adapt to climatic conditions and strengthen our financial sustainability." (Ian Fitzpatrick, Co-President of the Osbornes Flat Community Hall Committee).
In addition to reducing the overall costs to a small community group it is planned that it can be used in assisting people during power outages to:
charge phones and laptops
access light and shelter (after an emergency has passed)
support events when there is an outage.
"A big thank you to our team of funders, specifically Indigo Shire Council through the 2023/24 Community Sustainability Grants Program, sponsorship from Yackandandah Community Development Company’s Community Initiative Sponsorship Program and funding from Totally Renewable Yackandandah’s Perpetual Energy Fund, and funds donated from the Commonwealth Bank’s CommBank Staff Foundation 2023 Community Grants."
31/01/2024
Beechworth Urban Landcare & Sustainability - Community Sustainability Grants (2022/23)
PROJECT: Flood Recovery at Beechworth Bush Botanic Gardens
Beechworth Urban Landcare & Sustainability (BULS) sought to repair the site which was damaged in the November 2022 flooding event in Beechworth, through:
revegetation using indigenous plant species.
earthworks to re-align the watercourse and re-purpose of rocks and sediment deposited on site in the floods.
This activity will assist climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon as well as providing enhanced wildlife habitat for native species. The BBBG site is in need of repair and restoration, is a prime central location and offers a great resource for educating the community about the importance of biodiversity conservation.
GRANT RECIPENT: Beechworth Urban Landcare & Sustainability (BULS)
FACILITY OWNER: DEECA (Council as Committee of Management)
GRANT AMOUNT: $4,884
OUTCOMES AND IMPACTS:
According to BULS President Russell James and member Mary Bould, "the grant helped us to rehabilitate the area after the damaging floods of 2022, including bank stabilization and the replacement of damaged/lost plants. The funds have also enabled the rehabilitation of additional areas which were also causing flood waters to cause damage".
07/09/2023
Totally Renewable Indigo North - Community Sustainability Grants (2022/23)
PROJECT: Engaging and Informing North Indigo Business about Renewable Energy
The project builds on preliminary work undertaken by TRIN. Recent community meetings (funded by Indigo Power Renewable Energy Readiness Fund) have demonstrated business community demand for unbiased information and advice that will help them decide whether or not to install renewable energy systems. The group will educate and expand on the delivery of this services to the local business sector, supported by their existing project plan to encourage the uptake of solar across the commercial sector.
GRANT RECIPENT: Totally Renewable Indigo North (TRIN)
FACILITY OWNER: N/A
GRANT AMOUNT: $1,000
OUTCOMES AND IMPACTS:
According to Graham Steed (TRIN Board member) it was a very successful information session attended by 40 Rutherglen/ Chiltern / Browns Plains business owners and community members. "...We engaged Solar Integrity Wodonga to provide expert and up to date information on solar panels, batteries and government grants. The Q&A session was lively and demonstrated a thirst for this knowledge and a significant interest in renewable energy systems. We [TRIN] hope that new knowledge will encourage businesses to switch from expensive grid energy to more sustainable and resilient renewable energy systems".
31/08/2023
Kiewa Catchment Landcare Groups - Community Sustainability Grants (2022/23)
PROJECT: Climate Ready Gardens in the Kiewa-Tangambalanga area
Kiewa Catchment Landcare is a long-standing Landcare group in the Kiewa area. In the last year, the group has undertaken a number of activities to reinvigorate and build this group. A priority action developed through group Action Planning has been the need to encourage new residents to plant wildlife-friendly gardens. The group wishes to host a community event to encourage these actions.
GRANT RECIPENT: Kiewa Catchment Landcare Groups
FACILITY OWNER: N/A
GRANT AMOUNT: $1,000
OUTCOMES AND IMPACTS:
According to the KCLG Facilitator, Shannon Brennan, the Indigo Shire Community Grant allowed the Kiewa-Tangambalanga-Bonegilla Landcare group (auspiced by KCLG) to run a community field day with guest speaker Sue Brunskill. Sue talked about the role of habitat gardens in promoting biodiversity and how to build a climate resilient garden. The importance of shade trees, role of plants to provide habitat and pollination, and fire retardant species were discussed.
09/06/2023
Beechworth Community Early Learning Centre - Community Sustainability Grants (2022/23)
PROJECT: Heating the Next Generation
The project seeks to improve the energy efficiency and overarching comfort and health at the Beechworth Community Early Learning Centre. The project proposes to reduce the demand for the existing inefficient in-floor heating by the installation of a reverse-cycle split system. Installing a high efficiency split heating and cooling system will reduce reliance (especially though the fringe seasons) on energy intensive, expensive under floor heating and also provides the opportunity to reduce energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and financial hardship for the Centre through the installation of the new system.
Council funded a second split system unit in one of the other rooms to further improve functionality and reduce costs.
GRANT RECIPENT: Beechworth Community Early Learning Centre
FACILITY OWNER: Council
GRANT AMOUNT: $3,968.80
05/05/2023
Rutherglen Gold Battery Committee - Community Sustainability Grants (2022/23)
PROJECT: Rutherglen Gold Battery Solar
Whilst the Gold Battery is a small establishment, its rising operational power costs need to be mitigated for it to survive. Installing a 2.9kW solar PV system will save the group money and reduce C02 emissions through less consumption of fossil fuel.
GRANT RECIPENT: Rutherglen Gold Battery Committee
FACILITY OWNER: DEECA
GRANT AMOUNT: $5,000. Total project cost $6,450.
OUTCOMES AND IMPACTS:
According to Nyree Wiggins (Chair, RSGB), The Gold Battery is a not-for-profit community focused education and tourist entity reliant on donations and in-kind assistance. It has struggled the last few years to keep up with rising power bills required to operate the electrical motorized equipment, demonstration video and lighting on the public viewing deck. The solar grant has enabled the installation of 7 panels, with options to add more in the future. Already in the first months of use we have noticed a considerable decrease in power costs on average of $30.00 per bill. We are beyond thrilled, we can now continue focusing on opening more, utilising this iconic historical battery more consistently without the worry of having to meet impacting costs. We appreciate that council sees the significance in such historical community buildings like this which has empowered the committee to continue with their good work, community and tourist focus.
01/05/2023
Wooragee Landcare Group - Community Sustainability Grants (2020/21)
PROJECT: "How you can capture carbon" - educational event
Event delivery delayed due to the impacts of Covid-19.
Later changed to an capacity building and educational event where the Wooragee Landcare, Yackandandah Community Garden and Indigo Creek Landcare groups hired a bus and attended Aces & Acres co-op in Corryong. The Co-op has a focus on sharing the market garden knowledge, tools and skills to encourage people the growth of use regenerative farming practices and world class small scale farming innovation to enable local communities to grow their own food sustainably.
The event allowed for the exchange of information, connection between like-minded people, startegic planning and inspiration.
GRANT RECIPIENT: Wooragee Landcare Group
FACILITY OWNER: N/A
GRANT AMOUNT: $1000
29/04/2023
Totally Renewable Beechworth Inc - Community Sustainability Grants (2022/23)
PROJECT: Home Energy Efficiency - How to save on your energy bills and reduce emissions
This educational project demonstrates, through practical and affordable measures, how to improve home and business energy efficiency. Steps that people can take to improve energy efficiency, thereby reducing emissions to mitigate climate change, range from very low cost, e.g. sealing windows and doors, through to more costly options, e.g. double glazing, hot water heat pumps, installing solar panels, that have a long term benefit in reducing costs and emissions and building resilience.
The event was held on Saturday 29 April 2023 (1 - 5pm) at Beechworth Quercus Hall.
50+ people learned about simple ways to save on winter energy bills and keep their homes warmer.
Keynote speaker Lucinda Williams, home energy efficiency expert and trainer, outlined how low-cost actions can be taken now as well as a range of other cost-effective measures.
Guest speakers Heath Shakespeare (Indigo Power), Tim Smith, and Jenny Indian all provided additional information on topics including energy efficient house design, use of heat pump water heaters, and landscaping and plant selection.
GRANT RECIPIENT: Totally Renewable Beechworth Inc
FACILITY OWNER: Council
GRANT AMOUNT: $1,000
13/04/2023
Stanley Soldiers Memorial Hall Committee - Community Sustainability Grants (2022/23)
PROJECT: Install a 6.24kW Solar PV system at Stanley Soldiers Memorial Hall. The solar installation will help the committee to reduce operational power costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
GRANT RECIPIENT: Stanley Soldiers Memorial Hall Committee
FACILITY OWNER: DEECA
GRANT AMOUNT: $5,000. Total project cost $6,450.
06/11/2022
Totally Renewable Yackandandah - Community Sustainability Grants (2020/21)
PROJECT: Install a solar system at the Yackandandah Unit of the Victorian SES.
Council's grant helped to leverage a broader $45,000 project involving installation of 6kW of solar PV, 16kWh storage battery, and a back-up generator to support emergency service delivery.
GRANT RECIPIENT: Totally Renewable Yackandandah
FACILITY OWNER: CFA
GRANT AMOUNT: $7,000
01/11/2022
Wahgunyah Progress Association - Community Sustainability Grants (2021/22)
PROJECT: Light up the public facility.
Installation of solar powered lighting at the toilet block and picnic shelter at the Wahgunyah Rail Land in Victoria Street.
GRANT RECIPIENT: Wahgunyah Progress Association Inc
FACILITY OWNER: Wahgunyah Progress Association
GRANT AMOUNT: $1,386
01/11/2022
Kiewa Catchment Landcare Groups - Community Sustainability Grants (2021/22)
PROJECT: Encouraging community resilience and climate change awareness through urban Landcare in Kiewa/Tangambalanga by hosting capacity building and community sustainability activities.
GRANT RECIPIENT: Kiewa Catchment Landcare Groups
FACILITY OWNER: N/A
GRANT AMOUNT: $1,000
04/10/2022
Yackandandah Cemetery Trust - Community Sustainability Grants (2021/22)
PROJECT: 'Energy for Life - Recharging the Cemetery Long After Your Battery Goes Flat'.
Installation of off-grid solar PV and battery storage, in conjunction with purchase of electric gardening and maintenance equipment.
In addition to Council's grant, additional co-contribution funding and support was provided by YCDco, YFuel, YFarm, Yackity Yak, Yackandandah Community Centre, and the Victorian Government.
GRANT RECIPIENT: Yackandandah Cemetery Trust
FACILITY OWNER: Crown Land, Victorian State Government
GRANT AMOUNT: $8,000.
OUTCOMES AND IMPACTS:
"This project has felt like a real game changer. It has injected confidence into the group and shown how a cemetery management group can be progressive, innovative and aligned with wider community action."
The project has resulted in reduced greenhouse emissions, fuel and oil consumption, exposure to vapour, chemicals, vibration and manual handling. Rechargeable equipment is 30% lighter and 50% lower in decibels.
26/11/2021
Beechworth Toy Library - Community Sustainability Grants (2020/21)
PROJECT: Relocation fit out and Beechworth Toy Library re-launch - Community Sustainability Event and Service.
GRANT RECIPIENT: Beechworth Toy Library
FACILITY OWNER:
GRANT AMOUNT: $1,000
01/11/2021
Yackandandah Tennis Club - Community Sustainability Grants (2020/21)
PROJECT: 'LED Lighting Upgrade - Yackandandah Tennis Courts'
In addition to Council's grant, significant financial and in-kind co-contributions were received from Yackandandah Tennis Club, Totally Renewable Yackandandah (TRY), Yackandandah Community Development Company (YCDCo), Yackandandah Sports Park, and others.
GRANT RECIPIENT: Yackandandah Tennis Club
FACILITY OWNER: DEECA
GRANT AMOUNT: $9,443
Outcomes and Impacts:
According to Matt Bayne the ISC grant enabled them to replace court lighting with LEDS which significantly improved the facility to recreation competition level. The LEDS provide sports level brightness and more even light at a significantly reduced wattage. The running and maintenance costs have been reduced. There has also been a significant increase in club membership - up from 100 to 160. The lighting is also better for older eyes! The application process wasn't onerous. Timelines were reasonable/ manageable and our project was a good fit for the grant.
30/06/2021
Rutherglen Landcare Group - Community Sustainability Grants (2020/21)
PROJECT: 'Wildlife garden pop-up stall and community education day' - educational event
GRANT RECIPIENT: Rutherglen Landcare Group
FACILITY OWNER: N/A
GRANT AMOUNT: $1,000
30/06/2021
Bruarong Community Centre - Community Sustainability Grants (2020/21)
PROJECT: Install protective sun awnings/blind for east facing windows at the Bruarong Community Centre.
GRANT RECIPIENT: Bruarong Community Centre Inc
FACILITY OWNER: DEECA
GRANT AMOUNT: $557
30/06/2020
Rutherglen Bowling Club - Community Facilities Energy Upgrade Grants (2019/20)
PROJECT: Installation of a solar PV system at Rutherglen Bowling Club
GRANT RECIPIENT: Rutherglen Bowling Club
FACILITY OWNER: DEECA
GRANT AMOUNT: $7,000 (with an in-kind amount of $7,960)
30/06/2020
Beechworth Food Cooperative - Community Facilities Energy Upgrade Grants (2019/20)
PROJECT: Installation of solar PV at Beechworth Railway Station
GRANT RECIPIENT: Beechworth Food Cooperative
FACILITY OWNER: Council
GRANT AMOUNT: $4,977
Council co funded an extension of this project as at the time it paid 20% of the power bill for this site.
30/06/2020
Rutherglen Golf Club - Community Facilities Energy Upgrade Grants (2019/20)
PROJECT: Installation of a solar PV at Rutherglen Golf Club
GRANT RECIPIENT: Rutherglen Golf Club
FACILITY OWNER: DEECA
GRANT AMOUNT: $4,150 (with trade labour as in-kind)
30/06/2019
Yackandandah Football & Netball Club - Community Facilities Energy Upgrade Grants (2018/19)
PROJECT: Replacement of existing netball court lights with LED lights.
These works were part of a much larger venue upgrade project that was funded through a number of sources including the Yackandandah Football and Netball Club, Sport and Recreation Victoria, and Indigo Shire Council.
GRANT RECIPIENT: Yackandandah Football and Netball Club
FACILITY OWNER: DEECA
GRANT AMOUNT: $3,109
30/06/2019
Yackandandah Sports Park - Community Facilities Energy Upgrade Grant (2018/19)
PROJECT: Installation of a 10kWH solar battery and inverter to enhance energy management and support solar installation.
GRANT RECIPIENT: Yackandandah Sports Park Committee
FACILITY OWNER: Council
GRANT AMOUNT: $10,000 (with an in-kind of $7,019)
30/06/2019
Rutherglen Agricultural Society - Community Facilities Energy Upgrade Grants (2018/19)
PROJECT: Replace current heating and cooling with 3 split-system airconditioning units. This project was part funded, and one airconditioning unit replaced. The HVAC system in the high use office space was prioritised for replacement through the grant. Operators to seek additional funding for the remaining HVAC in the lower use public areas.
GRANT RECIPIENT: Rutherglen Agricultural Society Inc.
FACILITY OWNER: Rutherglen Agricultural Society Inc.
GRANT AMOUNT: $1,955
30/06/2019
Beechworth Childcare Centre - Community Facilities Energy Upgrade Grants (2018/19)
PROJECT: Install energy efficient reverse cycle airconditioning as a substitute for in-floor heating in one of the educational rooms.
Council saw significant merit in these upgrades at the Council leased building and worked with the operators to install 2 units. One in the preschool room, and another reverse cycle airconditioning unit in the Toddler Room.
GRANT RECIPIENT: Beechworth Childcare Centre
FACILITY OWNER: Council
GRANT AMOUNT: $4,936