As part of this year’s Grant program, five recipients will share in $30,000 of funding to deliver initiatives that strengthen connection, enhance liveability, and create lasting benefits for the Benalla region and surrounds.

The 2025 Winton Solar Farm Community Grants recipients and their funded projects are:

• Zonta Wangaratta – for digital signage advocating against domestic violence during the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
• Benalla Scouts Group – to upgrade the solar system at the Benalla Scout Hall with 20 new solar panels, a new inverter, a battery system, and an upgraded switchboard
• Wangaratta Baptist Church – to support and expand the reach of Thread Together, a clothing assistance program
• Border Triathlon Squad – to host a series of bicycle maintenance training workshops for children and teens aged 8 – 16
• Laceby West Rural Fire Brigade – to purchase two thermal imaging cameras for firefighters to detect and extinguish hotspots, preventing reignition.

Since launching in 2021, the Community Grants Program has grown into a valued platform for supporting local ideas, with more than $150,000 invested across 26 community projects.

From small-scale renewable energy infrastructure to sustainability initiatives and youth programs, the program has helped bring a wide range of community-led projects to life – each helping to build a stronger, more connected, and sustainable future for the Benalla region and surrounds.

FRV Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Carlo Frigerio, said the program continues to demonstrate the power of local knowledge, leadership, and collaboration.

“Seeing community-driven projects come to life is always a highlight. It’s exciting to watch them grow from local ideas to real-world outcomes that deliver meaningful, lasting benefits for the communities they support,” he said.

“The success of this year’s program is a testament to the passion and dedication of the community groups driving these initiatives. We have consistently been impressed by the calibre of applications, and the thought, care and local insight behind each project.”

While this year marks the final round of the Winton Solar Farm Grants Program, FRV Australia remains committed to supporting community growth and wellbeing through other initiatives, including through the project’s partnership with the Regent Honeyeater Project.

FRV Australia would like to thank the community for their involvement and enthusiasm this year.

For more information about the Winton Solar Farm and Community Grants Program please visit www.wintonsolarfarm.com.

About the Winton Solar Farm

Winton Solar Farm received Planning Approval in early 2018 and is has been built on a private 250-hectare site approximately 25km southwest of Wangaratta. This location is well suited to a solar farm, with very high levels of sunlight and proximity to the existing electricity grid.

The solar farm will also contribute to the achievement of Victoria’s renewable energy target. Following a 2018 public tender process, Winton Solar Farm was awarded a 15-year support agreement by the State Government for clean energy generated by the project. The tender was part of the Government’s Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) to source 25 percent of its electricity production from renewables by 2020 increasing to 50% by 2030.

Construction of the 85-megawatt (MW) Solar Farm was completed in 2021, and the asset is now up and running. The solar farm has an operating life of around 30 years.

About FRV Services

FRV Australia is one of the largest solar developers, asset owners and renewable energy platforms in Australia and one of the first solar developers to enter the Australian market and the first company to deliver a project-financed large scale solar farm in Australia with the Royalla Solar Farm near Canberra operating since August 2014. The company has developed almost 800MWdc of Australian PV assets built or under construction across 9 projects for a total project investment value of over 1 billion dollars. The activities are based in Sydney and the company has a multidisciplinary team of over 40 employees. With the ambition to continue leading the global transition to a more sustainable energy future. FRV Australia has evolved from being just a developer to becoming an independent power producer.

The company is owned by Abdul Latif Jameel Energy, a world leader in the development of sustainable energy solutions (51%) and OMERS, one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans (49%); the OMERS stake is managed by OMERS Infrastructure, a global leader in infrastructure investing.

For more information, please contact Eleni Sgardelis – 0435 861 682

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The program is part of FRV’s commitment to social development in the communities and markets where it operates – not only through clean energy generation, but also through ongoing contributions to society and the environment. Local grants, partnerships, and the employment of local workers and suppliers continue to play a central role in delivering on this commitment.

Launched in 2020, the Community Grants Program is now into its fourth year.

The last round of the program saw five local community groups awarded a share of $35,000. Grants were used to install new bus shelters in Benalla, upgrade kitchen appliances at Molyullah Hall and Benalla Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club and improve emergency response equipment at Glenrowan CFA and Winton CFA.

Up to $30,000 will be granted again this year to fund projects and initiatives that improve the liveability and vitality of the region and deliver positive outcomes for the community.

To date, FRV Australia has contributed over $180,000 to the community through grants and partnerships, supporting important local projects and initiatives. FRV Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Carlo Frigerio, said he is looking forward to continuing the Project’s support of community-led initiatives in 2024.

“FRV is proud to have worked in partnership with several local community organisations over the past four years of the Winton Solar Farm Community Grants Program. We have been thrilled with the positive response to the program so far,” he said.

“We look forward to welcoming another round of strong applications this year as we continue to share the benefits of renewable energy development with the broader community.”

Applications for the 2024 Winton Solar Farm Community Grants Program will open next Monday 9 September. Community groups looking to deliver positive environmental outcomes, skills and training opportunities, and public health, safety, and wellbeing initiatives are invited to apply.

Winton Solar Farm contributes around 200,000MWh/Year to the National Electricity Market, which is enough clean energy to power 52,000 homes every year. In recent years, the 250-hectare site has also been used for agricultural purposes with 600 sheep grazing the site, helping to maintain grass levels.

More information and copies of the Winton Solar Farm Grant application form are available at www.wintonsolarfarm.com.

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As well as providing renewable energy to customers, the Winton Solar Farm has a strong commitment to contribute socio-economic benefits to the local community – and is doing so via Grant and Partnership contributions and preferential use of qualified local workers and suppliers.

Six local community groups were awarded a share of $35,000 in last year’s 2021 Community Grants program. Grants were used to fund new cooking facilities at Glenrowan Primary School and Winton Primary School, as well as the installation of solar panels at Bernard Briggs Pre-school.

Up to $35,000 will be granted again this year to support projects that benefit community groups looking to deliver positive environmental outcomes, skills and training opportunities, and public health, safety, and well-being initiatives.

FRV Australia Managing Director, Carlo Frigerio, said he has been thrilled by the success of the Winton Solar Farm Community Grants Program so far and is looking forward to another round of strong applicants this year.

“As of this year, the Winton Solar Farm Community Grants Program has contributed $145,000 towards some terrific local initiatives. We’re particularly energised by how the Community Grants Program has enabled many small but socially important projects to get off the ground and create meaningful change within the community,” he said.

“This program sees our role in Winton, Benalla, and surrounds grow beyond just providing it energy, and we hope to continue that work with another year of successful Grant programs.”

The 2022 Winton Solar Farm Community Grants Program will be open for applications next Monday 31 October with applications invited from local residents interested in looking to create a positive outcome for their community.

The 250-hectare Winton Solar Farm has now been operational for 18 months since it first commenced operations in 2021. The site contributes 200,000 MWh/Year to the National Electricity Market, equivalent to the amount of energy needed to power approximately 52,000 households every year.

More information and copies of the Winton Solar Farm Grant application form are available at www.wintonsolarfarm.com

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AgriSolar is the latest development in the renewables industry, making use of land for energy production, grazing and other agriculture activities.

Industry experts say that solar grazing can improve animal welfare and enhance agricultural activities, providing protection from the elements.

Under the agreement solar grazing agreement, 600 sheep will graze the site, helping to maintain grass levels around the solar farm, and avoid the use of mechanical and chemical weed management.

Near neighbour, Tony Mort, said: “It’s great to be a part of Winton Solar Farm’s thinking as to how the land can be utilized for more than just power generation”.

“It’s early days and both the solar farm and I are on a learning curve but I’m wrapt they have chosen to work with neighbours as I believe this is a win-win situation,” he said.

The agreement demonstrates how agriculture and renewable energy can work together to effectively manage sites and share land.

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Both have been recipients of the recent Community Grants Program, with funding allocated to support community lead initiatives.

The Benalla Hockey Club grant will fund three portable, heavy duty gazebos to protect spectators at training and Fun Summer Hockey in Benalla.

 FRV have established the Winton Solar Farm Community Grants Program as part of their commitment to support local community groups and deliver benefits to the region.

At Glenrowan Primary School, works to upgrade their cooking learning classroom are complete. School parents and community volunteers all helped to install new equipment, improving the learning environment for students.

Other recipients of this years $35,000 Community Grants Fund were Winton Primary School, to develop a new sustainable outdoor kitchen garden and NE tracks to support their Hands on Trades day event, and provide funding for their ACRE yourh entrepreneurship program.

Asset Manager Fernando Altmann said “Sharing benefits of the project with the Winton Community is fundamental”

The $35,000 Community Grants Program gives back to the community who have been so welcoming of the project, and support the region in the process” he said

FRV has contributed $120,000 to local community initiatives to date and is excited to be working with the local community on projects that are important to them.

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The project was funded through the Winton Community Grants program and Benalla Sustainable Future Group’s Renewable Energy Benalla (REB) project.

Benalla Sustainable Future Group are supporting community based renewable energy projects across the region.

Winton Solar Farm and federal Member for Indi Helen Haines were invited to the opening of the 6.6KW solar system, and thanked BSFG for the opportunity to be involved in the program.

Dr Haine (MP) spoke of the importance of developers working with local communities to deliver the benefits of renewables to the region.

FRV Head of Asset Management, Sab Hari was delighted to work with the Benalla Sustainable Future Group through the Community Grants Program.

“Winton Solar Farm is delighted to once again support the Benalla Sustainable Future Group’s Community Energy Project, and the installation of solar panels at Bernard Briggs Pre-school.

FRV has a long and proud tradition of supporting community-led innovation and education.  This initiative is a perfect combination of these pursuits.”

To date over $120,000 has been awarded through the Winton Solar community grants program. The program will continue for another two years.

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This annual event aims to support high school students from Benalla, Mansfield and Wangaratta Shires to consider existing and new trades – including solar engineering and management, an industry that has seen recent growth with several new solar farms in the area. Local students completing Structured Workplace Learning placements form part of the event organising committee and hospitality teams and are involved in co-designing the event.

NE Tracks Chief Executive Officer, Danny O’Donoghue, said: “The solar farm grant would allow more locals school kids to get involved in the event. On behalf of local schools, and especially students in North East Victoria we are delighted to receive this grant from Winton Solar Farm. It will help more students have access to a better resourced careers day and help them to develop the skills they need”.

This year’s Hands on Trades career expo will go ahead on Thursday 5 May. Local students are encouraged to register to attend.

Four other community groups were recently awarded a share of the Solar Farm’s second annual $35,000 Community Grant Program.

Winners of this year’s Winton Community Grants and funded projects are:

• Benalla Hockey Club to fund new portable shade gazebos for tournaments.
• Winton Primary School – development of a new sustainable outdoor kitchen garden.
• Benalla Sustainable Future Group – to install new solar panels at Bernard Briggs Pre-school.
• NE Tracks for their ACRE youth entrepreneurship program and annual secondary school student ‘Hands On Trades Day’ careers event.
• Glenrowan Primary School – to upgrade their school cooking learning classroom.

FRV Australia Managing Director, Carlo Frigerio, said “I am thrilled to see another round of strong applications and initiatives come through the Community Grants Fund. The Winton, Benalla and surrounding areas are home to some creative thinkers, and we are excited to see another round of innovative projects come through. These community grants are an opportunity to kick start some exciting projects and deliver meaningful investment for the local community”.

Output from the 85MW Winton Solar Farm to date has been impressive. It is expected to generate around 210,000 MWh/Year – enough clean energy for 52,000 homes.

In a further development, Winton Solar Farm has also reached mutual agreement with a project neighbour to introduce sheep to the solar site. Just under 600 are currently grazing the site, helping to maintain grass levels around the solar farm and avoiding use of mechanical and chemical weed management.

Near neighbour, Tony Mort, stated: “It’s great to be a part of Winton Solar Farm’s thinking as to how the land can be utilized for more than just power generation”.

“It’s early days and both the solar farm and I are on a learning curve but I’m wrapt they have chosen to work with neighbours as I believe this is a win-win situation,” he said.

To date, Winton Solar Farm has provided $120,000 to the local community. This includes a major partnership with the Regent Honeyeater Project to plant an additional eleven hectares of native vegetation and improve critical biodiversity corridors in the region.

Community Grants will be open for applications again in late 2022.

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Now in its second year, the Grants Program provides financial support to eligible local groups that promote sustainability, deliver training and community participation and promote improvements to the health and safety of people in the Winton Glenrowan region.

FRV Managing Director, Carlo Frigerio, said the Winton Solar Farm Grants Program has traditionally received strong interest, an indication of residents’ active involvement in many diverse community groups and not for profit initiatives.

“This year’s Community Grants Program will deliver additional positive social impact and is one of the ways the team at Winton Solar Farm shares the benefits of operating this new renewable energy asset with the community,” Mr Frigerio said.

“Up to $35,000 is available to support local organisations and projects to deliver quality initiatives that reflect the needs and interests of the tight-knit Winton Glenrowan community.”

“We are particularly keen to support programs that foster skills development or pathways to employment – or that provide mentoring and hands on professional learning experience for community members, especially young people,” he said.

Applications for the Winton Solar Farm Community Grant are now open.

Construction of the 85-megawatt (MW) Winton Solar Farm was completed last year, with the Project in the final stages of commissioning.

When fully completed, the solar farm will provide enough clean energy to power over 52,000 homes.

A permanent team of five employees has been recruited from within the local area to operate and maintain the solar farm.

Information on how to apply for a 2021 Community Grant is available on the Winton Solar Farm website www.wintonsolarfarm.com/community

Applications close Friday 19th November.

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A copy of this plan is available here.

This plan has been developed in accordance with the requirements of Electrical Safety Act 1998 Section 83 Division 1A.

Ongoing consultation and collaboration with fire services, neighbours and other key stakeholders will continue to ensure our approach to managing solar farm Operations reflect the interests and attitudes of the local community.

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