Community groups in Toowoomba and the Surat Basin region have received more than $25,000 through the latest round of community grants from Ventia's Rig and Well Servicing operations (formerly known as Easternwell).

Much needed funds are going to a variety of groups including Rangeville State School, Eva's Place, Darling Downs Sport Aircraft Association, Toowoomba & District Woodcrafters, Withcott & District Progress Association, Meringandan State School, St Monica's P & F Association, Bunya Park Scout Group, Breakaway Toowoomba, Lifeworks Uniting Church, Hodgson Vale Community Sports Club, Chinchilla State School P & C Association, Pittswoth State High School P & C Association, Lapunyah Art Gallery and Pittsworth District Alliance Inc.

Meringandan State School was thrilled to receive a community grant to purchase STEM learning kits for students. Principal Janelle Groves said:

The learning kits will assist students to develop essential skills in problem solving and coding while also encouraging them to consider careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.

St Monica's Parents and Friends Association is another local organisation who received a grant to purchase painting suppliers for an artwork project.

President of St Monica's Parents and Friends Association, Matt Edwards said: "We are fortunate to have a culturally diverse school community and through this project we will be able to build stronger connections in our community and display the talents of a local Indigenous artist." 

Further demonstrating Ventia's commitment to the region, Pittsworth State High School said that their grant purchased new gym equipment.

Treasurer of Pittsworth State High School P & C Association, Carmel Hanlon said:

The new gym equipment will encourage students to spend more time using the school's health and recreational facilities, improving their physical and mental health.

^{Pictured: St Monica's School artwork}

Providing a decade of support 

Now in its 10th year, the Community Grants Program provides financial and social assistance in regions where Ventia's specialist Rig and Well Servicing business has key operations - including Toowomba and the Surat Basin.

Established in 2011, the program provides funding assistance of up to $2,000 per applicant per round to support activities or projects that provide lasting community benefits in areas such as community, education and training, health, Indigenous, safety and youth.  

Ventia's Group Executive for Infrastructure Services, Rod McCurdy, acknowledged the aim of the program is to help create a better future for people living in the communities in which we operate.

"We are honoured to work in some amazing areas around Australia, and take our responsibility to these communities very seriously," he said.

Our aim is to build regional strength and sustainability through supporting community organisations and social activity.

"Since the launch of the program a decade ago, more than $460,000 has been distributed to 286 community groups, schools, aged care providers, and other small organisations in the regions in which we operate," he said.

^{Top image: STEM kits purchased by Meringandan State School}