AGL Energy Limited (AGL) will present more than $28,000 in funding to six community groups within the Bogan Shire Council area at a morning tea on Thursday, 2 October 2014.

The groups are the successful recipients of the first round of the AGL Nyngan Solar Plant Construction Community Fund.

One of the recipients, the Nyngan Hospital Auxiliary will receive a cheque for $3,700. It  plans to use the funds to purchase two specialist aged care beds for the Mick Glennie Hostel. The hostel provides aged care accommodation and is part of the Nyngan Multipurpose Service Centre.  

Nyngan Hospital Auxiliary, Secretary, Mary Lamph said “the Nyngan Hospital Auxiliary is most grateful for the very generous AGL grant. The new beds will assist residents, resulting in them being able to stay longer in the hostel than they can now.”

The other recipients who will attend the morning tea to accept their cheques include: Nyngan Junior Rugby League Club ($2,600), Nyngan Amateur Swimming Club ($2,700), Nyngan Men’s Shed ($2,700) and the St Joseph’s P&F Association ($5,000). The Nyngan Preschool will receive solar panels, to be supplied and installed by AGL, valued at $11,800.

AGL Nyngan Solar Plant Project Manager, Adam Mackett, said “making a positive contribution in the local communities in which it operates is a priority for AGL."

“We are excited to be able present the cheques to the recipients and know the money will help fund worthwhile important initiatives for the local Nyngan community.” 

In total, the fund will contribute $50,000 to broad-based community initiatives within the local area. The second, and final, round of funding will be advertised early next year.

Members of the Community Fund panel, which is made up of Nyngan Solar Plant Community Consultative Committee will also attend the morning tea, which will be held from 10am-11:30am at the Bowlers Bar, Nyngan RSL. 

Construction at AGL’s 102 MW Nyngan Solar Plant Project commenced in January this year and the first of the 1.35 million solar photovoltaic (PV) modules was installed last month. Construction is on schedule and is expected to be completed by June 2015.

AGL is delivering the Nyngan Solar Plant in partnership with the Federal Government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the NSW Government, local council and community, and project partner First Solar.

About AGL

AGL is one of Australia's leading integrated energy companies and largest ASX listed owner, operator and developer of renewable energy generation in the country. Drawing on over 175 years of experience, AGL operates retail and merchant energy businesses, power generation assets and an upstream gas portfolio. AGL has one of Australia's largest retail energy and dual fuel customer bases. AGL has a diverse power generation portfolio including base, peaking and intermediate generation plants, spread across traditional thermal generation as well as renewable sources including hydro, wind, landfill gas and biomass. AGL is taking action toward creating a sustainable energy future for our investors, communities and customers.