Bango Windfarm Community Enhancement Fund
Published on 19 May 2026
Bango Wind Farm Community Enhancement Fund Supports Local Projects Across Yass Valley
A range of community groups and initiatives across the Yass Valley will benefit from funding through the latest round of the Bango Wind Farm Community Enhancement Fund, with a total of $58,649 (inc GST) awarded to successful applicants.
In its third round, the Bango Wind Farm Community Enhancement Fund continues to support projects that create lasting social, environmental and economic benefits for the local community with a focus on funding supporting within a 20km radius of the Bango Wind Farm.
The Bango Wind Farm Community Enhancement Funding (CEF) Advisory Committee met in March to assess and evaluate all applications received. Following this process, the Committee’s funding recommendations were presented to the April meeting of Yass Valley Council, where they were formally endorsed.
Chair of the Bango Wind Farm CEF Advisory Committee, Councillor Allan McGrath, said the quality and diversity of applications received this round demonstrated the strength of community-led initiatives across the region.
“This funding round has once again highlighted the passion and commitment of our local organisations and individuals,” Cr McGrath said.
“We received a substantial number of strong applications again this year, making the process highly competitive. Unfortunately, not every deserving project could be funded during this round, which speaks to the depth of great ideas and community spirit across the Yass Valley.”
“The successful projects reflect a range of community priorities—from enhancing local facilities to supporting programs that bring people together—and will deliver meaningful, long-term benefits across the region.”
Funded projects in this round include:
- Yass Spin Foundation - Digital access for great impact – laptop & connectivity - $5,000.00
- Binalong Rescue Squad Cascade Rescue Tera Tamer Wheel and Equipment - Specific for rough terrain - $4,991.00
- Binalong Community Club - Keeping it Cool at Binalong Community Club. Freezer Upgrade - $3,869.00
- Binalong NSW Swimming Club - The E.T. Shine Shield 60 Years of Binalong Spirit, Community event - $1,650.00
- Binalong Progress Association - Supporting Local Sport: Fishing Club Fridge Upgrade - $1,092.00
- Binalong Tennis & Netball Club Incorporated - Air Conditioning in Tennis Clubhouse Bottom Room - $4,244.35
- Bowning Hall Association Inc - Safety improvements to Bowning Hall Annex building. floor replacing and repairs - $3,100.00
- Bowning Rural Fire Brigade - Bowning firefighter PPE decontamination and storage upgrade - $5,474.00
- Highclere Farm - Highclere Farm Event Infrastructure Upgrade Marquee - $4,704.74
- Wee Jasper Community Association - Wee Jasper Heritage Fair, Community Event - $3,598.00
- Yass FM - New Microphone Stands for Yass FM Studios - $1,024.59
- Yass Landcare Group - Wind & shade protection for plants and Yass Landcare Nursery volunteers - $7,313.00
- Yass Minor Rugby League - Line Marking Equipment Upgrade - $3,500.00
- Yass Valley Combined Churches Christmas Carols - Community Christmas Carols 2026 Community Event - $4,955.00
- Yass Valley Concert Band - Purchase of a concert Bass Drum and Stand - $1,599.00
- Yass Montessori Pre-School - Resourcing a Montessori Pre-school classroom - $2,534.32
All funding amounts include GST.
Bango Wind Farm Site Operations Manager Grant Stepien said the Community Enhancement Fund was about supporting the long-term success of communities in the region.
“We're proud to support initiatives that make a meaningful difference across the Yass Valley, from upgrading local facilities to strengthening the programs and services that bring people together,” Mr Stepien said.
“The strength of the applications this round reflects the passion and commitment within the community and highlights the important role local groups play in keeping the region connected. Bango Wind Farm is committed to working alongside the community and investing in initiatives that matter most to local people.”
The Bango Wind Farm Community Enhancement Fund was established as part of the project’s Development Consent and Voluntary Planning Agreement, ensuring that the benefits of renewable energy development are shared directly with the local community.
Community groups, not-for-profit organisations, small businesses and individuals are encouraged to begin planning for the next Bango Wind Farm Community Enhancement Funding opportunity, with the fourth round of the Fund expected to open in February 2027.
Further details about future funding rounds will be made available closer to the opening date.