The New Acland Coal Community Investment Fund has awarded $1 million to Jondaryan State School so it can complete a state-of-the-art multipurpose facility.
The landmark partnership, which is part of the NAC Legacy Program will deliver enduring benefits to the region, specifically the social, sporting, and cultural needs of the Jondaryan community.
As part of the school’s upgrades, the Department of Education is funding the construction of a new shade structure to the multi-purpose facility.
In addition to being a valuable resource for the students and teachers at Jondaryan State School, the multipurpose facility will also be available to the broader Jondaryan community for events, training, youth engagement initiatives, and social activities.
Following Stage 3 certainty, New Acland Coal undertook a thorough community needs analysis to determine how the Community Investment Fund could best support the local community and local business initiatives.
New Acland Coal General Manager, Dave O’Dwyer said the $1 million contribution is the first for the re-vamped New Acland Coal Community Investment Fund.
“The fund will support the long-term wellbeing, economic development, and social cohesion of the region,” Mr O’Dwyer said.
“Our focus is supporting regional skills development and economic diversification, community infrastructure and connectivity, health and wellbeing, youth and community engagement, and environmental and heritage preservation.
“New Acland Coal has a long and proud history of supporting and financially backing the local community via strong investment in the towns surrounding New Acland Mine.
“Sponsoring and supporting local community groups, sporting teams, charities, and schools, like Jondaryan State School, allows New Acland Coal to build stronger and more sustainable communities surrounding our operation.
“Over the past two years, New Acland Coal has spent $113.4 million with 599 local suppliers, donated more than $2 million to local community groups and schools and provided in-kind support to countless community activities and events.”
Jondaryan State School Principal, Carly Domrow said New Acland Coal’s $1 million contribution to help build the state-of-the-art multipurpose hall is welcomed by the school community.
“Our school motto is ‘Strive for the best’, and we’ll have one of the best facilities in the Toowoomba region once the multipurpose hall is built,” Ms Domrow said.
“This is a legacy project that will provide long term benefits to countless students, their families, and the Jondaryan community.
“Thank you, New Acland Coal for supporting Jondaryan State School, and for believing in our students, and the broader community.”
New Acland Coal Community Investment Fund applications are now open. Applications must be received from an incorporated community group, club, association, community-based organisation, or recognised academic institution (such as a school or university).
New Acland Coal Community Investment Fund programs:
• The NAC Sponsorship Program provides funding up to $5,000* and supports smaller-scale initiatives that strengthen community connection and enhance participation in sporting, cultural, educational, and health activities.
• The NAC Community Development Program provides funding of more than $5,000* and supports sustainable community initiatives that improve local infrastructure, enhance economic development, or provide measurable community benefit.
• The NAC Community Bursary Program provides financial assistance of up to $10,000*, learning resources, to individuals, supporting continued study and the development of skills in fields essential to the region’s long?term sustainability, growth, and resilience.
• The NAC Community Partnerships Program provides funding of more than $10,000* and is designed for strategic partnerships with community organisations to deliver long?term, resilience-building programs, including youth development, education pathways, community capability building, and social support programs.
• The NAC Legacy Program provides funding of more than $20,000* and is focused on long-term, high-impact infrastructure or social investment that will deliver enduring benefits to the region.
*Per successful applicant, annually.