26/02/2026

The Stronger Communities Programme funds small capital works projects that deliver social benefits to the community.

The Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre received $17,500 to electrify their community garden, working with at-risk students from Weeroona Secondary College to imagine, scope and design ways to utilise the new facilities.

This project involved the purchase and installation of a solar capture and storage module with capacity to run their community garden and kitchen facilities, including a small stove, lawn mower and a whipper snipper.

With these energy saving upgrades, the Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre can move away from their dependence on fossil fuels and save on their energy bills.

More information about the Stronger Communities Programme can be found at:

https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions/regional-australia/regional-and-community-programs/stronger-communities-programme

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BENDIGO, LISA CHESTERS MP:

"I commend Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre on their application to this competitive grant program.

"This project will have long term gains for the Long Gully Community. It will first and foremost reduce their energy bills.

"It's has also supported at-risk students who are disengaged with mainstream schooling engage in their community."