Granting brighter futures for Western Downs communities

From bursaries for disadvantaged students to fish restocking and circus workshops, Arrow is supporting a diverse range of initiatives aimed at improving health, education, the environment and social outcomes in its Surat Gas Project footprint.

Since its launch in 2007, Arrow Energy’s Brighter Futures community grants program has invested millions of dollars in local, grassroots projects and community building initiatives.

Through the program, grants of up to $5000 are available to charities, sporting clubs, schools and other not-for-profit organisations within Arrow’s operational footprint.

Arrow Energy Community Officer Jayne Weier congratulated this year’s recipients, and said the funds were aimed at supporting local projects that make a positive impact in their communities.

“The Arrow Energy Brighter Futures program provides community grants for projects that support health and wellbeing, safety, education, community connection and active lifestyles,” Jayne said.

“We seek projects that are meaningful to us and our communities – capacity building initiatives that help ensure the communities where we operate continue to thrive.

“This year’s recipients certainly fit the bill, ranging from bursaries for high school students to environmental and cultural initiatives like fish restocking and circus workshops.

“We’re proud to champion such a variety of innovative projects and are excited to see the positive difference they’ll make.”

One of this year’s recipients, the Matt Hughes Foundation, is using its Brighter Futures grant to offer bursaries for Dalby State High School students facing financial hardship.

Dalby State High Principal Dean Russell said the support was life-changing for many students.

“The Matt Hughes Foundation supports our school in a few different ways, but probably the most impactful is supporting our Year 11 and 12 students who are experiencing disadvantage,” Dean said.

“For many of our students, it’s literally life-changing to attend excursions, participate in sporting events or have multiple sets of school uniforms in winter. For many of them, it’s a brand-new experience.”

The Dalby Lions Club is using its Brighter Futures grant to subsidise membership fees for the Dalby Girl Guides Association, whose 100th anniversary is approaching.

Lions Club president Bec Knight said the grant would help ensure the future of the Girl Guides in the region.

“They’re a valuable part of our community, and with their 100th anniversary approaching, it would be sad to see them fold before reaching that milestone,” Bec said.

Dalby Nursery and Preschool Director Sarah O’Connor said they were using their Brighter Futures grant to make the centre safer and more inviting.

“The area we want to improve currently has pool fencing, so we’re going to install more Colourbond fencing, which will be safer for the children and create a more uniform look,” Sarah said.

2024 Brighter Futures grant recipients:

Dalby Family Support Association – $5000 to support the centre’s op shop which raises funds for locals in need.

Dalby Nursery and Preschool – $5000 for fencing upgrade to improve safety for children.

Matt Hughes Foundation – $5000 for bursaries at Dalby State High School to support disadvantaged youth.

Miles Regional Arts Council – $5000 for music, craft and circus workshops to promote community connectivity.

Chinchilla Gymnastics – $4943 for equipment to support active lifestyles.

Condamine State School – $4000 for a digital interactive touch panel to support improved educational outcomes.

Farm Angels – $3966 for signal boosters to improve connectivity in emergencies in remote locations.

Oakey Freshwater Fish Stocking Association – $3500 for Condamine River fish restocking.

LifeFlight – $3025 for ‘First Minutes Matter’ workshops to provide vital first-aid skills.

Dalby Circles of Care – $2744 to support the provision of warm, nutritious meals for people in need.

Miles Ambulance – $2559 for CPR mannequins to support first-aid classes.

Dalby Lions Club – $2400 for Girl Guides memberships to young people who cannot afford membership fees.

Cecil Plains History Group – $1550 to support the CWA Hall opening to promote community connectivity.

Brighter Futures is part of Arrow’s overarching social investment program, which distributes more than $2 million each year into areas such as community health, education and Indigenous support.

For more information about Brighter Futures or how to apply, visit www.arrowenergy.com.au/community/social-investment/brighter-futures.

Media contact:

Phone: +61 400 693 248        Email: media@arrowenergy.com.au

Arrow Energy Pty Ltd

Arrow Energy is a natural gas company. Arrow explores and develops gas fields, produces and sells coal seam gas (CSG) and generates electricity. Arrow has been safely and sustainably developing CSG since 2000 and supplying it commercially since 2004. The company is working to meet demand for cleaner burning fuels through gas supply. Arrow is owned by Shell and PetroChina (50/50).