Community groups in the Pilbara region have received more than $12,000 through the latest round of community grants from Ventia's Rig and Well Servicing operations (formerly known as Easternwell).

Much needed funds have gone to a variety of groups including Nickol Hawks Cricket Club, Dampier Sharks Junior Football Club, Australian Dad's Network, Karratha Basketball Association, Northern Spirit Basketball Club, Pilbara Regional Football Development Committee and Trouts Basketball Club.

President of Nickol Hawks Club, Ali Syed Head said the club played 16 T20 cricket matches thanks to the grant, purchasing new cricket balls and paying for ground and lighting fees for the club's social season [pictured above].

The club provides the Karratha community the opportunity to participate at no cost as we provide all the sports equipment. The social season enhances community participation in the game of cricket and helps identify talent for season 21/22, while also providing a pathway for 16+ youth towards senior cricket clubs.

Australian Dads Network is another local organisation who received a grant to purchase a new marquee for their events program.

Founder and Chairperson, Liam Sorrell said: "With 2,400 members across Australia, the Australian Dads Network connects Dads and families to create stronger communities. Through our events program we promote our services through collaborative communication to become better Dads and men.'

Further demonstrating Ventia's commitment to the Pilbara region, Trouts Basketball Club said that their grant purchased new senior player uniforms.

Jacqueline Rothe from Trouts Basketball Club said:

As our club membership continues to increase, the new senior player uniforms will be utilised by our junior players as they progress into our senior teams.

Providing a decade of support 

Now in its 10th year, the Community Grants Program provides financial and social assistance in regions where Ventia's specialist Rig and Well Servicing business has key operations - including the Pilbara.

Established in 2011, the program provides funding assistance of up to $2,000 per applicant, per round to support activities or projects that provide lasting community benefits in areas such as community, education and training, health, Indigenous support, safety and youth.  

Ventia's Group Executive for Infrastructure Services, Rod McCurdy, acknowledged the aim of the program is to help create a better future for people living in the regional communities in which the business operates.

"We are honoured to work in some amazing areas around Australia, and take our responsibility to these communities very seriously," he said.

"Our aim is to build regional strength and sustainability through supporting community groups and social activity.

Since the launch of the program a decade ago, more than $460,000 has been distributed to 286 community groups, schools, aged care providers, and other small organisations in the regions in which we operate.

^{Pictured : Nickol Hawks Club}