Building up Tasmania's community groups thanks to the Fonterra Grass Roots Fund

Ten community groups across the region will receive funding under the program which is designed to sustain healthy, vibrant communities. The projects and initiatives that are making a real impact in this round range from worm farms to sporting equipment, and musical instruments to surf life saving programs. 

Ulverstone Primary School Assistant Principal, Rebecca von Stieglitz says the grant means the school can construct a shade sail over the Early Childhood sandpit, increasing the level of sun protection for our Prep and Grade 1 students which is fantastic.

“Active outdoor play is crucial for children’s development and we want to encourage our children to play with their friends and use their imagination at every opportunity. Thanks to the Fonterra Grass Roots Fund our students can now do this under the protection of a new shade sail,” says Rebecca.

The North Western Kart Club is another community group receiving support from Fonterra using its grant to build a new canteen shelter at its clubrooms. 

North Western Kart Club President, Mark Johnston, says that while it might only be a small contribution for Fonterra, it has made a huge difference to the Club. 

“We’re a not-for-profit and everything at the Club is done by volunteers and fundraising is often a big challenge for groups like ours, so we’re incredibly grateful for the help the Fonterra Grass Roots Fund has given,” says Mark.

Steve Taylor, Fonterra Regional Operations Manager – South, says the Fund is all about supporting groups that keep Fonterra’s local communities thriving and which make a real difference to peoples’ lives.

“At the heart of every community, there are groups like the Ulverstone Primary School and the North Western Kart Club that make our communities vibrant, thriving places to live. Behind these groups are people willing to volunteer their time and create spaces where everyone is welcome.

“The Fonterra Grass Roots Fund is our way of providing much-needed funds to support the valuable work they do for our farming families and their neighbours, and our people.

“Over the years we’ve supported some great community groups and it’s incredibly rewarding to see their ideas and initiatives come to life,” says Steve.

Since 2011, Fonterra has supported almost 450 initiatives across Victoria and Tasmania that focus on bringing communities together, caring for the environment and promoting healthy lifestyles and dairy nutrition. The Fonterra Grass Roots Fund provides grants of between $500 and $5,000 for projects and initiatives that make a real difference in Fonterra’s dairy communities.

The 2019 recipients in Tassie include: