Gippsland community groups get a leg-up thanks to the Fonterra Grass Roots Fund

Ten community groups across the region will receive funding under the program which is designed to sustain healthy, vibrant communities. The projects that are making a real impact in this round range from worm farms to chicken coops, and recycling bins to fire safety programs.

Warragul Bowling Club Treasurer, Lester Mason, says the Club is home to around 120 bowling enthusiasts of all ages, and this grant means the Club can now install a drinking fountain, giving its players ready access to drinking water.

“The Club competes against bowlers from Neerim to Boolarra, and Garfield to Traralgon, so the bowling green is used for a lot of competitions throughout the year.

“As you can imagine, playing bowls during summer can be hard work, and the need to stay hydrated is one of our greatest concerns. This will no longer be an issue thanks to the Fonterra Grass Roots Fund – we can now focus entirely on the game,” says Lester.

Andrew Nooy, Fonterra’s Regional Operations Manager – East, says the Fund is all about supporting groups that keep our local communities thriving and make a real difference to peoples’ lives.

“At the heart of every community, there are groups like the Warragul Bowling Club that bring our communities together. Behind them are people who are willing to volunteer their time and create spaces where everyone is welcome. They help make our rural towns a better place to live, and we’re lucky to have them.  

“The Fonterra Grass Roots Fund is our way of providing much-needed help to support the valuable contribution they make to the region, our farming families and their neighbours, and our people.

“This year, we’ve supported some great community groups and I love having the opportunity to see their ideas and initiatives come to life,” says Andrew.

Since 2011, Fonterra has supported almost 450 initiatives across Victoria and Tasmania that focus on bringing communities together, caring for the environment, and promoting healthy lifestyles and dairy nutrition. The Fonterra Grass Roots Fund provides grants of between $500 and $5,000 for projects and initiatives that make a real difference in Fonterra’s dairy communities.

The 2019 recipients in Gippsland include: