Community groups in the Macarthur and Hawkesdale regions received a share of more than $50,000 in funding as a part of AGL Energy Limited’s (AGL) 2015 Macarthur Wind Farm Community Fund Program.

Thirteen community groups were successful recipients of the third round of AGL’s Community Fund Program.

AGL Asset Manager Wind and Solar, Iain Pople, said making a positive contribution in the local communities in which it operates is a priority for AGL.

“This round we’ve awarded $53,264 to broad-based community initiatives across a range of areas including education, health, sport, community and senior citizen groups. We are excited to be able to contribute to the local community and know the money will help fund worthwhile local projects.”

Forty-two applications were reviewed by the fund’s independent panel, consisting of members from the local community and Moyne Shire councillors.

One of the recipients, the Hawkesdale P12 College, will receive $10,000 for their Hands On Learning Program to run for another two years. The charity program is specially designed to support vulnerable students to stay and achieve at school.

Another recipient, Macarthur Music In The Vines, is set to receive $7,000 to develop a new community event at the local winery to help increase tourism around the area.

The other recipients include: Macarthur Primary School ($3,000), Broadwater Rural Fire Brigade ($3,000), Hawkesdale Family Services Centre ($3,000), Macarthur Community Health ($2,829.93) and Macarthur Senior Citizens ($1,500).

A number of sport-associated organisations also received support including: Macarthur Bowls Club ($1,153), Hawkesdale Macarthur Football Netball Club ($5,000), Macarthur Golf Club ($3,000), Macarthur Cricket Club $2,558, Macarthur Advancement and Development Association ($4,224) and Hawkesdale Racecourse Reserve ($7,000).

AGL has provided more than $150,000 to community projects since it launched the fund in 2013.

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.