Community groups and local schools were invited to apply for up to $5,000 for projects under the company's Community Sponsorship and Education Sponsorship Programs, which closed on June 29.
A record 30 applications were received this year across the two streams, seeking a total of $140,000.
While all applications were deserving in their own right, the selection process was guided by a strict merit-based system that was based on specific application criteria.
The successful 2025 recipients are listed below.
Community Sponsorship Program:
• Barooga Aquatic and Recreation Centre - $5000 for its 2026 Bush Nippers lifesaving program.
• Berrigan Football Netball Club - $1900 to purchase an ice making machine for managing sports injury and supporting recovery.
• Deniliquin Little Athletics Club - $745 for a discus and shot put trolley.
• Deniliquin Youth Initiative - $2400 to put towards furniture fit out at its new youth centre.
• RGA Landcare - $5000 to support a community planting and wellbeing project at the Berrigan Government Tank Reserve.
Education Sponsorship Program:
• Berrigan Public School P&C - $2,800 to run a whole of school mental health and wellbeing program.
• Deniliquin High School - $3,700 to establish a ‘harmony circle’ under the leadership of the school's Year 11/12 Work Studies class.
• Combined Small Schools cluster (comprising Conargo, Blighty, Mayrung and Bunnaloo schools - $3500 towards the cost of a combined Year 3 and 4 school camp.
Murray Irrigation has been supporting community-driven projects across the local region for the past seven years through its annual grants program.
This year, the company has expanded the program to include a dedicated education stream for local school initiatives.
CEO Ron McCalman thanked all community groups and schools who applied for funding, acknowledging the quality and merit of this year's submissions.
"The volume and scope of this year's applications reflects the broad diversity of local needs, and is testament to the drive of organisations and schools to make their communities a better place," Mr McCalman said.
"Each and every project demonstrated a commitment to making a difference either in the community or within the classroom, and I would encourage those who may not have been successful in this year's funding round to consider reapplying in 2026."
Murray Irrigation's annual sponsorship program is made possible through the support of the company's customers.
Applications for the company's 2026 sponsorship program will open in the first half of next year.
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