Media release: Over $26,000 Injected into Central West Schools, Clubs and Community Organisations

December 25, 2025

Funding boost supports student safety, junior sport, community hubs and essential services

More than $26,000 has been awarded to eight local schools, sporting clubs and community organisations across the Central West through the latest round of The Pines Wind Farm's Early Community Sponsorship Program, taking the total to $75,000 since launching in August 2024.

The program makes $50,000 available each year, offering funding to help local organisations deliver practical, people-focused projects while the wind farm progresses through the NSW planning process. This round included grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, supporting everything from volunteer-led initiatives to larger community infrastructure improvements.

TagEnergy Managing Partner - Australia, Andrew Riggs, said the latest round highlights the region's strong community spirit. "You can feel the community energy in this region - the volunteers who turn up week after week, the teachers building safer spaces for students, the groups creating connection for people who need it most. These sponsorships are about backing that spirit and helping local people bring their ideas to life," he said.

This round supported a wide range of initiatives, including a fully equipped playroom for families in Black Springs, a Christmas party for locals in Burraga, Welcome Baby Bags for new parents, new covered shelters for students at Oberon High School, reduced registration fees for Oberon Junior Rugby League Club, essential maintenance at Oberon Golf Club and Oberon Showground, and "grab and go" emergency bags that help residents stay prepared and support first responders.

Funding was allocated to the following organisations:

Black Springs Community Association (Buddies Group)
Burraga Sport & Recreation Club
Friends of Oberon Library (FOOLs)
Oberon Golf Club Ltd
Oberon High School
Oberon Junior Rugby League
Oberon Showground Land Managers
Rotary Club of Oberon

Black Springs Community Association Secretary, Michelle Swaan, said the new playroom equipment is already strengthening local families. "This funding has been a game-changer for families in Black Springs. We've been able to create a safe, colourful and engaging playroom filled with equipment for little kids right through to older ones. It's become a place where children can learn and play, and where parents can connect and feel supported. For a small village like ours, it's made a huge difference," she said.

Burraga Sport and Recreation Club Licensee, Michelle Williams, said the funding helped the club put on a fun and welcoming Christmas celebration for local families. "The grant helped us put on a special Christmas party for the kids, with a jumping castle, games, presents from Santa and showbags. A lot of our kids grow up on farms and don't always get many chances to come together and play, so we're really grateful to The Pines Wind Farm team for helping us create a day they'll remember," she said.

A couple of opinions:

Michelle Williams

Councillor Helen Hayden

Friends of Oberon Library Inc President, Kathy Sajowitz, said the contribution will directly support early literacy and new parents across the region. "Our Welcome Baby Bags are delivered to every new mum in Oberon and include essentials along with a quality children's book to encourage early reading. Those first shared stories can spark a lifelong love of reading, and they help families feel connected to the library from the very beginning. At a time that can feel overwhelming, these bags are a small but meaningful way to show new parents that their community is here for them," she said.

Oberon High School Principal, Mr Tristan Goodwin, said the grant will be used to deliver much-needed new shelters for students. "Alongside the school, this will help to lift our facilities up to a modern standard for the benefit of our students to enhance their social connections and protection from the Oberon elements," he said.

Oberon Junior Rugby League Canteen and Social Media Coordinator, Desiree Rigelsford, said the funding has already reduced barriers for families. "This funding has allowed us to reduce registration fees from $130 to $60, which makes a huge difference for local families - especially those with multiple kids in the club. It means more children can stay active, stay connected and be part of a team. For a small club that was struggling for numbers last season, this support couldn't have come at a better time," she said.

Round 4 of the Early Community Sponsorship Program is now open. Grants between $500 and $5,000 are available to clubs, schools, not-for-profits and community organisations for opportunities which will benefit local communities, including health and social welfare, safety, environmental, educational, youth projects, sport and recreation, culture, the arts and economic development.

More information and online applications: thepineswindfarm.com.au/sponsorship.

Disclaimer: Oberon Matters has no opinion either way on the matter of wind towers near Oberon. This article is for public information only. Please see our position of total neutrality.

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