New appliances mean lower bills for not-for-profit groups

Power bills for two Wide Bay community groups will be slashed thanks to a grants program to provide energy-efficient appliances for not-for-profit organisations. 

Member for Wide Bay MP and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien said the grants were part of the Liberal Nationals Government’s commitment to increasing the nation’s energy efficiency. 

“We all dread the electricity bill coming in, but these bills can be especially tough for community groups who have to fundraise for every cent. Replacing older appliances such as a leaking fridge that doesn’t seal with modern alternatives can make a big difference to their bottom line,” Mr O’Brien said. 

“These hard-earned funds are better in the pockets of community organisations and the people they help than in the coffers of big power companies.”

Tablelands Public Hall Association has purchased an energy-efficient cooktop, fridge and freezer with a $5000 grant from the Powering Communities Program.

“This will help save energy usage and upgrade old and energy inefficient equipment,” the president of Tablelands Public Hall Association Ross Wessling said. 

“Without grants like this, whether local, state or federal – and the community support, these halls wouldn’t exist. 

“We have had everything from weddings to family reunions and 21st birthdays here, and it’s a real community asset.” 

The Murgon Show Society will get two new commercial fridges in early May to help community fundraisers, thanks to a $5000 grant from the Powering Communities Program. 

Mr O’Brien said the Cattleman Bar kitchen had outdated appliances, which required replacing, including one fridge which was so noisy it had to be turned off during meetings until they began holding them in a different room altogether. 

Murgon Show Society president Alan Eagleson said upgrading the Cattleman’s Bar Kitchen meant the Show Society would be able to run more community events and take on extra fundraising opportunities. 

“It will cut our power bill down to replace these fridges with nice modern units,” he said. 

“It will also help us raise a few dollars for the community.” 

Mr Eagleson said volunteers were busily preparing for a show on July 9 and 10. 

“It’s so good to get them back in the arena again,” he said.

The Powering Communities Program allows not-for-profits to reduce their power bills, allowing them to spend more funds on helping their communities. 

The Morrison Government focuses on empowering community groups, businesses and households to be part of the journey to energy efficiency. 

Each Federal MP, with the assistance of a community representative, nominated projects and invited groups to apply for the funding. 

The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources selected the successful applicants after considering them for eligibility and completeness.