About the Great South West sustainable communities fund Pacific Blue’s Great South West (GSW) Sustainable Community Fund shares the benefits of the Portland, Yambuk, and Codrington Wind Farms with the surrounding communities. The GSW Sustainable Community Fund is a part of Pacific Blue’s Community Benefit Sharing Program, which has provided more than $4.9 Million to over 1000 projects across Australia since 2005. In the GSW Region alone, the Fund has supported 450 projects, totaling more than $2.1 Million. Pacific Blue’s GSW (Codrington/Yambuk) and GSW (Portland) Sustainable Community Funds shares the benefits of Codrington, Yambuk and Portland Wind Farms with the surrounding communities, providing long-lasting social, economic and environmental value that goes beyond the life of the wind farm. The GSW (Codrington/Yambuk) and GSW (Portland) Sustainable Community Fund operates on a biannual model, which means eligible community groups and not-for-profit organisations are encouraged to apply for project funding every second year from a pool of: Codrington and Yambuk have an allocation of $88,000 Portland has an allocation pool of $284,000 In 2023, Pacific Blue doubled the grant funding, and also removed the $10,000 cap, providing opportunities for community organisations to partner and work together on projects that deliver a greater community impact. The Great South West (Codrington/Yambuk) and Great South West (Portland) Sustainable Community Fund is open to community groups and not-for-profit organisations that serve from: Great South West (Codrington/Yambuk) Aringa Codrington Crossley Killarney Kirkstall Koroit Moyne Orford Port Fairy Rosebrook St Helens Toolong Tower Hill Yambuk Great South West (Portland) Bolwarra Cape Bridgewater Cape Nelson South Cashmore Curries Gorea Gorea West Heathmere Heywood Narrawong Portland Tarragal Trewalla Tyrendarra Organisations and projects do not necessarily need to be based in the fund area, but the proposed projects must operate in, and provide benefit to these communities to be eligible. Great South West Portland Sustainable Community Fund map Great South West Codrington Yambuk Sustainable Community Fund map Giving back to the communities we're part of. Great Southwest Walk Thanks to Pacific Blue’s support, the Friends of the Great Southwest Walk can continue maintaining and enhancing the 262 km trail with essential new equipment, helping the community enjoy this stunning coastal walk. Pallisters Reserve Julia Schlapp, Co-chair of Pallister's Reserve, shares how Pacific Blue’s support has enabled them to replace their old mower with a zero-turn mower—making maintenance easier, especially for their dedicated older volunteers. Portland Yacht Club Les Thomas, Commodore of the Portland Yacht Club, highlights how Pacific Blue’s support has helped fund a new training and rescue boat—replacing their 40-year-old vessel and ensuring the club can continue serving the community safely. Southcombe Park Port Fairy Nigel Harper, Chair of the Southcombe Park Committee of Management, shares how Pacific Blue’s support enabled them to install a solar system on the stadium roof—cutting energy costs and reducing environmental impact for the Port Fairy community. Yambuk CFA Andrew Royal, Captain of the Yambuk CFA, discusses how Pacific Blue’s funding enabled them to purchase a Big fill and vital equipment, significantly improving their ability to support the local community and respond to fires in the region. Eligibility The project will directly benefit at least one of the local communities in the relevant Fund Area (as defined in the guidelines). Ensure that you read the Community Benefit Fund Program Guidelines – Item 2 Eligibility for full details. Community Benefit Fund Program Guidelines Who can apply A not-for-profit organisation is an organisation that is not operating for the profit or gain (either direct or indirect) of its individual members, including: Incorporated Associations Committees of Management Unincorporated (Voluntary) Associations with an ABN and a formal constitution Co-operatives (that are defined as not-for-profit in their charter or constitution) Companies Limited by Guarantee NFP organisations that do not yet have an ABN are eligible, but additional paperwork may be required if their proposed project is successful Ensure that you read the Community Benefit Fund Program Guidelines – Item 2.3 Eligibility organisations for full details. Selection Criteria Projects and initiatives considered for funding will be assessed against the selection criteria, including: Align with the Community Benefit Fund Program aims Identify community needs Have a clear, realistic, and feasible plan Outline a budget, prices, and alternatives Outline a management plan Innovation Ensure that you read the Community Benefit Fund Program Guidelines – Item 3 Selection criteria for full details. Resources Community Benefit Fund Program Guidelines 2025 (54.93 KB) Our Commitment to Communities (55.45 KB) Community Benefit Fund Program – Allocation Panel Terms of Reference (151.3 KB) Community Benefit Fund Program – Report Back Form (100.26 KB) Register your interest Areas of interest This will help us give you the information you are looking for. Which of our Community funds are you enquiring about? --select one--Clements Gap Sustainable Community FundCrowlands and Challicum Hills Sustainable Community FundGreat South West (Codrington / Yambuk) Sustainable Community FundGreat South West (Portland) Sustainable Community FundHaughton Sustainable Community FundTaralga Community Enhancement FundYaloak South Community FundGeneral enquiry Your message Name and details Enter your details so we know how to get in touch. Full name Email address Contact preferences Let us know the best way to get in touch with you. Preferred method of contact Email Phone Phone number Best time to contact you? Morning Afternoon Anytime (9am-5pm) This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Leave this field blank Contact Us We’re here for you via chat, email or phone, Monday to Friday. Ways to contact us