Vena Group, a leading provider of green solutions advancing the energy and digital infrastructure transition across the Asia-Pacific, is supporting communities in the region through its dedicated Community Sponsorship Program, delivering meaningful local benefits. 

As part of this initiative, Vena Group has supported 12 impactful projects across the Western Downs. These initiatives focus on environmental sustainability, infrastructure development, and community wellbeing, reflecting Vena Group’s ongoing commitment to fostering regional growth and resilience. 

Vena Energy, the renewable energy arm of Vena Group, is delivering green energy solutions through its Wandoan South Project, which includes a 150MWh Battery Energy Storage System and the operational 168MW Wandoan South Solar 1. Construction is also progressing on the 320MW Wandoan South Solar 2.  

Owen Sela, Head of Australia at Vena Energy, commented on the high level of community engagement with the program. 

“These diverse initiatives, ranging from early childhood education and local sports to environmental upgrades, reflect the strength, resilience and forward-thinking spirit of the Western Downs,” he said. 

“By backing these grassroots projects, we are helping build a stronger, more connected future for the region. The outcomes – from upgraded infrastructure to improved learning environments – will benefit residents for years to come as the Western Downs region helps lead Queensland’s clean energy transition.” 

Some of the meaningful impact the Community Sponsorship Program is having across the Western Downs includes the funding provided to the Murilla Kindergarten Association towards their facility expansion. This enables them to meet growing enrolment demands and ensures that more local families can access vital early childhood education services. 

“This funding comes at a crucial time as more young families move to our area. The expansion will help us welcome more children into our kindergarten and meet the growing needs of our community,” said Ingrid Uebergang, President of the Murilla Kindergarten Association Inc. 

Noonga Community Association received funding to install a 6.6KW solar system at the Noonga community hall, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices while reducing operating costs for this important community facility. 

“The solar system will reduce our operating costs while making our community hall more sustainable. As a hub for local events, fundraising and social gatherings, this upgrade ensures our facility can continue serving the Noonga community and surrounding areas for generations to come,” said Brendan Leahy, President, Noonga Community Association.  

The program also supported Dogwood Rural Fire Service through the donation of a new heavy duty firefighting trailer to help combat bushfires and protect local communities during emergency situations.  

“Our Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) volunteers are busy undertaking crucial mitigation work across the region in the lead up to bushfire season,” RFSQ Deputy Chief Officer South Western Region, Matthew Inwood, said. 

“This new trailer has come at the perfect time and will be a great benefit to the volunteers at Dogwood Rural Fire Brigade, boosting their capacity to protect their local community just in time for the upcoming season.” 

The 12 beneficiaries are:  

• Dogwood Rural Fire Service: A heavy-duty firefighting trailer for roadways and bushland. 

• Kup of Kindnes: Supporting Chinchilla soup kitchen for community members in need. 

• Miles & District Amateur Swimming Club: New learn-to-swim and safety equipment for community classes. 

• Miles & District Chamber of Commerce: Support for children’s activities at a Christmas event raising funding for local rugby league. 

• Miles & District Picnic Race Club: A new speaker system for use at club and district events. 

• Murilla Community Centre (long daycare): Upgrade of outdoor play and learning space. 

• Wandoan Sport and Recreation Association: Installation of shower, toilet and hand basin facilities.  

• Murilla Kindergarten Association: Contribution to facility expansion project to increase enrolments. 

• Noonga Community Association: A 6.6KW solar installation to reduce operating costs at Noonga Community Hall. 

• Wandoan & District Kinder Association: Support for the annual camel races with funds supporting community initiatives.  

• Wandoan Junior Rugby League: Support for the 3-day Kirk Reynoldson Cup, filling Under 10s carnival gap and building player skills. 
• Wandoan State School: New STEM education resources to encourage interest in science, engineering and technology. This follows the success of an Engineering Tomorrow program hosted by Vena Group at the school, which saw students build model solar and wind projects. 
  
  

Following strong interest from the community, Vena Group will open the Western Downs Community Sponsorship Program for another round of applications later this year. 

For more information about Vena Energy’s Community Sponsorship Program, visit venaenergy.com.au/our-communities