Local community groups share in $31,500

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Congratulations to the recipients of funding from the 2025-26 Community Support Program, which is helping local community groups, schools and sporting clubs bring their water projects and ideas to life.

This year, thirteen community groups will share in $31,500 to support local initiatives that promote water efficiency, sustainability and community wellbeing.

Now in its sixth year, the Community Support Program has funded well over $200,000 in community-led projects that create lasting benefits for the region.

This year, the program focused on five sponsorship packages, including water refill stations, water efficiency and school projects, sports hydration and events.

Westernport Water’s General Manager Corporate & Customer, Gareth Kennedy, congratulated recipients at a cheque presentation event held in Newhaven on Wednesday, 30 July.

Quotes attributed to Gareth Kennedy, General Manager Corporate & Customer

“I would like to congratulate all recipients that were successful in accessing funds from this year’s program. We appreciate the creativity and passion that was present in each application from schools, sporting clubs and community groups across our service area.”

“We take great pride in supporting the local community at Westernport Water. We have a long history of doing so, with our support dating back decades.”

“I would like to acknowledge the time, effort, and dedication of our community’s volunteers and their commitment to making a positive impact in our community. I wish we could fund all the applications we receive, but for those that missed out, please re-apply next year.”

Successful applicants:


Water refill stations (up to $7,000):
  • Bass Valley Early Learning Centre – $7,000
  • Cowes Primary School – $7,000
  • Corinella Bowls Club – $3,396
  • Grantville Recreation Reserve – $2,673
Small water efficiency projects (up to $5,000):
  • Phillip Island Village School – Drip irrigation for School Kitchen Garden – $4,800.00
Schools package (up to $3,000):
  • Bass Coast College – San Remo Campus – Australian Native Edible Garden program – $2,610.00
Sports hydration (up to $500):
  • Phillip Island Football Netball Club – 4 x Team water bottles and carriers for the U14 & U16 girls football teams
Events (hydration station, bottles, signage – value up to $500):
  • San Remo District Tourism & Business Inc – TIDAL Seafood Festival
  • Kilcunda Community Association Incorporated – Kilcunda Lobster Festival
  • PI Progress Association – Carols by the Bay (Cowes)
  • Arts Society Phillip Island Region Inc. – 2026 Easter Weekend Art Show
  • Cowes Yacht Club Inc – Around French Island National Catamaran Challenge 2026 (Neil Beddoe Memorial Trophy)
  • WBSLSC – 2026 Channel Challenge

 

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