Cook Labor Government awards $70,000 to Kimberley community groups

Lions Club of Broome's Joy Balding with the 2026 Broome recipients and our Regional Manager Sharon Broad

• Thirteen local projects presented grants of up to $10,000 at events in Broome and Kununurra
• Kimberley Community Grants Scheme making a difference in local communities for 10 years
• Sustainable funding model invests profits from sale of livestock feed grown with recycled water

The Cook Labor Government has awarded more than $70,000 to 13 not-for-profit groups through Water Corporation's unique Kimberley Community Grants Scheme, now in its 10th year.

Grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 were presented at ceremonies in Broome and Kununurra this week.

The funding will support initiatives promoting wellbeing, community connection, and create opportunity, delivered by sporting clubs, schools, community, and environmental organisations.

Projects funded in 2026 include a facility upgrade at Derby Speedway Club, a community kitchen at Kununurra Campdraft and Rodeo Association, and a new early years' playground at Looma Remote Community School.

Since launching in 2016, the Kimberley Community Grants Scheme has invested nearly $820,000 in more than 140 local community organisations to continue their important work across the region.

The Broome Historical Society is one of several organisations to receive funding in multiple years including 2026. This ongoing support has helped protect local heritage while enhancing community access and visitor experience at the Broome Historical Museum.

The scheme is delivered in partnership with the Lions Club of Broome, with funds generated through the sale of Rhodes grass hay grown using recycled water at Water Corporation's Broome North Water Resource Recovery Facility.

This environmentally sustainable approach repurposes water and reinvests proceeds back into Kimberley communities through grants of up to $10,000, supporting projects that foster community empowerment, engagement, and overall wellbeing.

For more information, head to Kimberley Community Grants.

Comments attributed to Water Minister Don Punch:

"This program is building a lasting legacy in the Kimberley by backing practical, community-led projects that deliver real environmental and social benefits.

"Funded through the sustainable production of Rhodes grass hay using recycled water in Broome, it shows how we can deliver environmental and social outcomes together.

"Over the past decade, more than $800,000 has supported over 140 projects, with this year's funding continuing to back local initiatives that strengthen communities and support Kimberley students.

"This year's funding continues that momentum, backing local initiatives that boost sporting opportunities, strengthen social connection, and support Kimberley students to succeed."

Comments attributed to Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:

"It's incredibly inspiring to witness a vibrant array of projects coming to fruition through the Kimberley Community Grants Scheme.

"These initiatives truly enhance our Kimberley communities, and we continue to see the positive impact of those first grants awarded a decade ago. I can't wait to see the difference that will be made over the next ten years by the projects awarded grants this week."

Round 12 Kimberley Community Grants Scheme recipients:

2026 Kununurra grant recipients with Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna and Water Corporation CEO Pat Donovan.