Foodbank Western Australia’s Bunbury branch is a shining example of the effect regional community grants backed by Southern Ports can have on its local community.
Southern Ports, which covers Albany, Bunbury and Esperance Ports, has provided more than $1.5 million in funding to grassroots community groups over the past five years, through grants of up to $5,000.
The grants are open to groups across the South West, Great Southern and Goldfields-Esperance.
Thommo’s Community Garden is among the previous recipients of the grant, receiving $5,000 for infrastructure upgrades, where volunteers spend more than 200 hours a week to grow fresh fruit and vegetables for Foodbank WA’s Bunbury branch.
Foodbank WA is another beneficiary of both Southern Ports and Thommo’s Garden, as the Western Australian arm of the nation’s leading food-relief organisation. It has provided 9.2 million meals to Western Australians over the past 12 months.
A $25,000 commitment from Southern Ports will also see its corporate partnership extended with Foodbank WA to deliver more than 21,000 meals to households across the South West, Great Southern and Goldfields-Esperance regions in 2026.
Alongside its financial commitment, Southern Ports has supported Foodbank WA through corporate volunteering, matched giving for regional community fundraisers, and ‘grocery drives’ over the past year.
Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks says the grants were about communities supporting each other.
“Regional communities across the South West, Great Southern and Goldfields-Esperance regions are great at helping each other out, and our Community Investment Program is there to lend an extra hand,” Wilks says.
“Our drive to create opportunities throughout our regions goes beyond facilitating trade, it is about strengthening our communities.
“We’re also proud of what we’ve achieved in partnership with Foodbank WA and we’re excited to see that continue.”
Western Australian Ports Minister Stephen Dawson says the Southern Ports Community Investment Program would benefit a range of organisations.
“Southern Ports’ support for Foodbank WA has a tangible impact on families across the State’s southern regions. This support will see more than 21,000 meals in the hands of those who need them most,” Dawson says.
Bunbury MLA Don Punch says more than 35 local groups had benefited from the grants in the South West last year.
The community grants are open until October 24. To apply, click here.