CBH Group community investment supports COVID-19 recovery

4 May 2020

The CBH Group has continued supporting regional Western Australian health, sport and community organisations as they tackle a changing economic environment and seek to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

CBH General Manager Grower and External Relations Brianna Peake said CBH’s Community Investment Fund supports our communities to develop and thrive by increasing access to opportunities in regional areas. 

“In challenging times such as these it’s even more vital to retain investment in initiatives that contribute to the vitality, development, wellbeing and safety of Western Australia’s grain growing communities,” Ms Peake said. 

“While many organisations have postponed or cancelled services and events, CBH has supported our community partners as much as we can so that they can quickly recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and return to usual operations.” 

Early in the pandemic, CBH provided an additional $25,000 to Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) – in addition to our $150,000 annual partnership – as part of the service’s “Response Ready for WA” campaign. 

The campaign sought additional financial support for the RFDS so that it can meet any increase in demand from regional patients during the pandemic.  

“We’re proud to partner with organisations like the Royal Flying Doctor Service that provide vital services to our growers and their families,” Ms Peake said. 

The CBH Grass Roots Community Grants program also continued supporting regional initiatives by recently awarding grants totalling $148,000 to 32 community and not-for-profit organisations.  

Recipients include a range of sport and recreation, health, safety and lifestyle, culture and arts and agricultural events, and small-scale infrastructure projects. 

For grants awarded this round, CBH has included a provision that provides the extension of funding timeframes where events and projects have been impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.  

The grants program will also offer $150,000 in a second application round in 2020 which will enable even more community organisations in the Western Australian grainbelt to kick back into operation once the current situation has abated. 

“CBH is in a fortunate position to be able to make a difference at the grass roots level of our communities with our grants program,” Ms Peake said. 

“Providing a shade sail for school kids, upgrading a footy field or tennis court, infrastructure to hold music concerts and art workshops, community drink fountains – these are all small initiatives that can play a big role in helping our communities thrive.” 

CBH recognises the contribution of sport in supporting healthy rural communities, investing approximately $100,000 each year in regional sport.  

Our regional sports partners include the West Australian Country Football League, Hockey WA and Tennis West, and some have seen competitions paused due to social distancing requirements.  

“Sporting clubs and events hold a special place in bringing regional communities together,” Ms Peake said.  

“When community sport is back on the calendar, our funding will enable these organisations to continue contributing to the ongoing health and wellbeing of people living and working in regional areas,” Ms Peake said.  

To find out more about the CBH Community Investment Fund visit our website www.cbh.com.au/cbh-community