Sapphire Wind Farm fund backs 15 Inverell Shire projects

Rescue tools for the Inverell Rescue Squad, new lights at Ashford’s bowling green, and a play village for Gum Flat School are among 15 community projects sharing almost $142,000 from the Sapphire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.

The fund will provide $141,969.67 to community groups and organisations across Inverell Shire in Round 2 of 2026.

The Sapphire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund Committee met on Monday, 19 October and considered 23 applications.

The successful projects cover sport and recreation, emergency services, education, health support, heritage, community events, and local facilities.

“This round reflects the strength of community spirit across our Shire,” said Inverell Shire Council Mayor Kate Dight.

“Many of these groups rely on volunteers and fundraising.”

The largest single grant, $20,000, goes to VRA Rescue NSW (Inverell Rescue Squad) for battery-powered rescue tools.

The successful applicants are:

• Inverell Sporties Ltd: upgraded lighting on the greens ($14,090.91)
• Inverell RSM Clay Target Club: rebuilding trap houses ($13,277.27)
• Operation Operating Room Ltd: a tourniquet machine ($11,000)
• Gum Flat School P&C Association: the Gum Flat Community Play and Imagination Village ($18,755)
• North West Mower Racing Association: a box blade ($2,500)
• VRA Rescue NSW (Inverell Rescue Squad): battery-powered rescue tools ($20,000)
• Ashford Memorial Bowling Club: replacing the lights on the bowling green ($14,000)
• Community College Northern Inland: a hospitality training hub ($5,000)
• Inverell Junior Touch Football Association: representative uniforms ($7,920)
• Bonshaw Campdraft Committee: yard improvements ($9,117.90)
• Inverell Hockey Association: umpire communication and development ($3,620)
• Inverell Saints Football Club: game balls ($5,000)
• National Transport Museum: an insulated awning and screened barbecue area ($13,590.91, subject to a final quote)
• Sapphire Social Committee: a speaker system ($2,279.50)
• Inverell Breast Cancer Support Group: marketing and advertising materials ($1,818.18)

Mayor Dight said the funding would make a real difference to organisations that support the community every day.

“This funding helps them deliver projects that might otherwise take years to achieve,” she said.

Round 1 of 2027 opens on Monday, 11 January 2027 and closes on Friday, 19 February 2027. Community groups planning projects are encouraged to start preparing their applications now.

“I congratulate all of the successful applicants,” Mayor Dight said.