Wesfarmers opens applications for community grants program in Rockingham and Kwinana

Applications for the Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy and Fertilisers division (WesCEF) community grants program have officially opened, with a new round of funding available for Aboriginal organisations. Each year WesCEF, whose businesses include Kleenheat and CSBP, provides five grants of $2000 each to organisations who work to benefit the community in the fields of environmental sustainability and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. Recent grant recipients include City of Rockingham libraries, Naragebup Rockingham Regional Environment Centre and Endeavour School. The grants have been extended this year to include not-for-profit Aboriginal organisations with one grant of $5000 and five grants of $2000. CSBP general manager Ryan Hair said they were keen to support Aboriginal organisations that held projects to advance the health, wellbeing and culture of Aboriginal people. “Our business sits on Whadjuk Noongar land,” he said. “Therefore it makes sense that we protect the culture and wellbeing of local Noongar people as well as the environment while also creating meaningful pathways to employment for future generations.” Kleenheat general manager Tanya Rybarczyk said she was pleased to extend the grants program to local Aboriginal groups. “We have been a part of the local community for a long time but now, more than ever, it is important to support local initiatives at a grassroot level,” she said. “We have incredibly talented Aboriginal employees within our workforce and this new grant provides the opportunity to expand our support within the local community, possibly providing new opportunities and realising young people’s dreams in the areas of environment and STEM.” To be eligible for funding, the organisation must be a not-for-profit community group in the Rockingham or Kwinana area and either be an incorporated organisation or affiliated to an incorporated organisation willing to host the donation on their behalf. Applications close on July 31. To find out more, visit the Wesfarmers website.