Those committed to caring for sick and injured wildlife are among the many who will share in more than $55,000 in funding through Unitywater’s community grants program.
Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue was one of 13 local community groups from across the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and Noosa regions to receive up to $5,000 from the utility as part of its latest grants round.
Founders Paula and Bridgette Powers said the contribution would help them to treat and rehabilitate more animals, like Monty the Jabiru, who was recently released into Unitywater’s protected Yandina Creek Wetland after being found on the Sunshine Motorway last year.
“We’ll use this money to construct a new shade shed, so we can increase our capacity to care for even more injured birds just like Monty,” they said.
“We believe Monty was separated from his parents during the Peregian bushfires and was brought to us after almost being hit by a truck.
“We set up an enclosure, fed him and treated him for 10 months, before releasing him into the wetlands, away from any harm.
“Seeing him take his first flight back into the environment was truly magic.
“Organisations like ours just couldn’t continue doing what we do without help from others, so we’re incredibly grateful for this financial support from Unitywater.”
Unitywater Executive Manager Customer and Community Katherine Gee said the utility was committed to giving back to those who contributed to healthy communities.
“We’re proud to play our part in driving positive change for causes like homelessness, domestic and family violence prevention, children and youth, mental health and the environment, even more so after a challenging 2020 for many,” Ms Gee said.
“Our grants program focuses on supporting organisations that share our same energy and passion for communities, and need a helping hand financially.
“We’ve supported hundreds of local groups and organisations over the past decade and we look forward to continuing to do so.”
Applications for the next round of Unitywater community grants will open in mid-2021.
For more information, visit www.unitywater.com/community-grants
