The Murray Bridge Community Centre Inc (MBCCI) provides the local community with a safe, welcoming space to connect with others or reach out for support in an inclusive environment. They host a wide range of services across areas of social connection, wellbeing, education and skills development.

Sarah Smith, MBCCI Finance and Administration Officer, says that the centre was seeking support for their solar panel installation project for three reasons: first of all, it helped them afford to expand services to a second site; secondly, it helped keep operating costs down in the face of rising power prices; finally, it supported their goal of transitioning to a more environmentally friendly set-up. 

As a not-for-profit, MBCCI is consistently seeking ways to reduce costs and ensure they can offer reasonable rates to the organisations that use the space – and that’s where their SA Power Networks Community Grant comes in.

“SA Power Networks is a demonstrated reputable organisation within South Australia, so the Community Grant was an excellent opportunity,” says Sarah. 

“The Community Grant meant that the centre did not have to solely pay for the full cost of installing solar panels, which would have otherwise been a prohibitive cost for us. It would have meant the project would have been greatly delayed or, more likely, would not have happened at all.” 

Sarah says that the process, from grant application to panel installation, has been extremely positive for the centre, and the Murray Bridge community as a whole. 

“The solar panels (and therefore reduced costs and increase in energy efficiency) have already benefited over 750 people who have accessed our centre since October,” says Sarah. 

Organisations that have already accessed the space include Centacare, Skylight Mental Health, Headspace, Department for Child Protection, Geriatric Doctor, Murray Mallee Wig Library, the Haven (Women’s Information Service), together with the centre-run yoga program and Workshops to Wellbeing program. 

Sarah says the SA Power Networks Community Grants’ simple and user-friendly application process got things off to a positive start, and would encourage any community groups with similar goals to “go for it!” 

“The Community Grant is an incredible way to support your organisation and the people it serves. All of our interactions with SA Power Networks have been positive and well supported and we would certainly encourage prospective applicants to have a go.” 

“It is fantastic to know that the benefits of the solar panels will last long into the future, ensuring we are sustainable whilst reducing our carbon footprint,” says Sarah. 

Community Grants Program

Learn more about our Community Grants program or register your interest.