Vena Group is pleased to announce five new recipients of its Community Sponsorship Program focused on the Coorong District in South Australia, marking the second year the program has supported community-led initiatives in the region. This year’s sponsorships include renewable energy solutions, youth sport, education technology, community facilities and veteran support services.
Vena Energy, the renewable energy arm of Vena Group, operates solar and battery energy storage infrastructure at its expanding Tailem Bend energy precinct in the Coorong District and has selected initiatives that deliver long-term sustainable benefits to the local community. All applications must demonstrate alignment with one or more of the program’s focus areas: environmental sustainability, community wellbeing and infrastructure development.
Owen Sela, Head of Australia at Vena Energy, said the selected projects reflect the breadth and diversity of community priorities in the Coorong District. “These initiatives demonstrate the proactive spirit of the Coorong District, from advancing renewable energy infrastructure to preserving community heritage and supporting youth participation in sport,” he said. “These grassroots projects will deliver lasting benefits to residents in a region that’s central to South Australia’s clean energy transition.”
The five recipients represent a cross-section of community priorities.
The Raukkan Football and Netball Club received sponsorship for uniforms and registrations for 117 Ngarrindjeri players participating in the South Australian Aboriginal Football and Netball Sports Carnival and the South Australian Nunga Netball Carnival. The club provides opportunities for young Ngarrindjeri people aged 7 to 30 to participate in sport while developing health understanding and cultural capacity.
The Tailem Bend Football Club has installed a 20.2kWh battery to complement its existing 75-panel solar system. This upgrade will store solar power for use during peak times and night games, reducing energy costs while enhancing the club’s energy independence and providing reliable facilities for players and supporters.
The RSL Tailem Bend (veteran’s organisation) received sponsorship to install a Rheem heat pump hot water service, replacing an old, inefficient system. The upgrade will dramatically reduce power usage at the main hall, which opens weekly for meals and social connection for more than 80 members and visitors.
The Tailem Bend Community Centre received support for the Station Master’s House Verandah Concreting Project. The project will replace uneven and degraded ground with a safe, accessible concrete surface, supporting the centre’s vision to preserve and repurpose the historic Station Master’s House as a welcoming space for meetings, outreach services and workshops serving vulnerable, regional and ageing populations.
Tailem Bend Primary School was sponsored to acquire a Trotec Speedy 50 30-Watt CO₂ Laser Cutter. The advanced equipment will be integrated into the school’s curriculum, offering students hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology in design, engineering and manufacturing while enabling community projects such as signage and art installations.
Principal Travis Schenke said the sponsorship has opened the door for students to work with industry-standard equipment that’s rarely accessible at a primary school level.
“The TROTEC laser will allow our students to take their ideas from concept to creation – designing, prototyping and producing projects with precision and creativity. It’s not only building critical STEM and design skills, but also creating pathways for student enterprise, giving learners the chance to explore innovation, small-scale production and entrepreneurship within a real-world context,” he said. “Beyond the classroom, it’s helping us strengthen connections between education, industry and our wider community, giving students a sense of pride and purpose in what they can achieve right here in Tailem Bend.”
Learn more about Vena Group’s Community Sponsorship Program in Australia.