Jemena expands First Nations Community Grants

Energy infrastructure company Jemena is inviting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led organisations to apply for funding as part of its 2026 First Nations Grants program.

Under the program, grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to community-led organisations and projects which provide support services (including hands-on crisis support like accommodation and food pantries); strengthen community wellbeing and cultural connection; or create pathways into training and employment for Indigenous people.

Applications are invited from organisations based in areas where Jemena operates, including:

• The Northern Territory – Tennant Creek and surrounding areas
• Queensland – Mount Isa and surrounding areas, Maryborough, Rockhampton, Rolleston, Biloela, Gladstone, Dalby, Wandoan, Roma
• New South Wales – selected regions of New South Wales where Jemena’s gas distribution network is located
• Victoria – suburbs in Melbourne’s north-west where Jemena’s electricity distribution network is located, as well as areas near Sale.

Jemena’s Executive General Manager, People, Safety and Governance, and Reconciliation Action Steering Committee Chair, Craig Ypinazar said the program is a practical demonstration of the company’s ongoing reconciliation journey.

“Our Community Grants Program is one of the ways we’re turning our commitment to reconciliation into meaningful action in the communities where we live and work,” Mr Ypinazar said.

Better outcomes for First Nations peoples

“We know that strong communities are built on both access to services when people need immediate assistance, and opportunities for education, training and employment. This year’s program reflects that broader focus.”

Mr Ypinazar said the program builds on Jemena’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) which outlines the organisation’s approach to creating better outcomes for First Nations peoples through stronger relationships, respect and opportunities.

“Through our RAP, we’ve committed to deepening our relationships with communities and expanding opportunities for employment, training and economic participation,” he said.

Literacy programs for young people

This year’s program builds on the success of the inaugural First Nations grants stream in 2025, which supported seven Indigenous-led organisations with $10,000 grants across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory.

In 2025, Jemena provided $10,000 grants for literacy programs for young people, business and leadership training, job readiness and mentoring, youth mental wellbeing services, and cultural education programs.

Mr Ypinazar said the expansion of the program this year reflects both the success of those initiatives and ongoing engagement with communities.

Since launching in 2019, Jemena’s Community Grants Program has awarded almost $800,000 to community organisations, supporting initiatives that deliver lasting benefits in local communities.

Applications for the First Nations Grants program are now open. More information is available at:
www.jemena.com.au/communitygrants

Last year’s grant recipients:

Warumungu Country – Tennant Creek, NT 

• World Literacy Foundation
  Literacy workshops for 85 Indigenous young people, in partnership with the local AFL club. Includes resources in Indigenous languages and mobile literacy tools.
   

Kalkadoon Country – Mount Isa, Qld 

• Campfire Healing Indigenous Corporation
  Business and leadership training for Indigenous-led social enterprises. Our grant helps support logistics and venue hire for sessions. 

Dharawal and Darkinjung Countries – Wollongong and Central Coast, NSW 

• Westbourne Cares Indigenous Corporation
  Intensive preparation and cultural mentoring for young Indigenous adults seeking to enter the workforce. Our grant will support 8-10 young people.
   

Worimi Country – Port Stephens, NSW 

• Jupiter – Space to Talk
  Our grant will help deliver 60 mental wellbeing consultations for Indigenous youth aged 12–25, delivered by culturally safe counsellors. It is intended to support keeping young people in education and/or able to maintain employment.
   

Gadigal Country of the Eora Nation – Redfern, NSW 

• Redfern Jarjum College
  “Strong in Culture, Strong in Self” program offering cultural identity sessions, arts workshops, and excursions to 26 students and more than 50 family members.
   

• National Centre of Indigenous Excellence
  Professional development for facilitators of the “Young, Fit and Deadly” program, which supports more than 100 young Indigenous participants.
   

Wiradjuri Country – Dubbo, Wellington and Parkes, NSW 

• EM-Power Foundation
  Native foods education program for 90 Aboriginal high school students across four schools, connecting cultural tradition with career pathways.