CBH Grass Roots Grants empowering women in the Midwest

The Geraldton Women’s Shed is one of thirty-six organisations that has received funding through the latest round of CBH Group’s Grass Roots Community Grants program. 

The newly established community-led initiative is working to transform a disused 1970s garage in the Geraldton Heritage Precinct into a safe, inclusive space where women can come together to learn practical skills, build confidence, and connect with others. With over 120 members already engaged, the shed is empowering women particularly those from regional and farming communities to grow, share, and thrive. Through hands on DIY projects and educational sessions, the initiative aims to reduce isolation, strengthen resilience, and foster community participation. 

Geraldton Women’s Shed Chair Beth Brady said that CBH’s support will help the group to complete essential restoration works, enabling the shed to open its doors and become a vibrant hub for women across the Midwest. 

“This grant gives us the incredible opportunity to begin the very first stage of restoring our soon to be beautiful building, transforming it into the Geraldton Women’s Shed,” Ms Brady said. 

“It’s the start of turning our dream into reality, creating a safe and inspiring place where all women can come together to connect, create, build, and empower each other for years to come.” 

CBH Community Relations Manager Cassidy Bennett said supporting grassroots initiatives like the Geraldton Women’s Shed reflects CBH’s commitment to regional communities. 

“The Grass Roots Community Grants program is all about empowering local communities to bring their ideas to life,” Ms Bennett said. 

“We’re proud to support projects that strengthen connections and improve wellbeing across WA’s grain-growing regions.” 

CBH committed $250,000 in the August round to support a diverse range of community initiatives, bringing the grand total of funds invested through the Grass Roots Grants Program to over $3.6 million. This round’s successful events included a youth-led mental health workshop, agricultural shows, centenary celebrations, and small-scale infrastructure projects such as sporting facility upgrades, historic building refurbishments, and signage for a bush trail.   

The next round of funding will open on 1 February 2026. For more information, visit the Grass Roots Grants page.

Below is the list of successful Grass Roots Community Grants recipients from the 2025 August funding round listed alphabetically by organisation.  

• Babakin-Corrigin Cricket Club
• Batavia Coast Miniature Railway Society Incorporated
• Beacon Co-operative Limited 
• Beverley Amateur Swimming Club Incorporated 
• Beverley Frail Aged Lodge Incorporated 
• Boddington Community Resource Centre 
• Borden Primary School Parents and Citizens Association Incorporated
• Calingiri P & C
• Carnamah Perenjori Hockey Club
• Corrigin Historical Society
• Cunderdin Youth Council
• Dandaragan Community Resources Centre
• Eastern Districts Cricket Association
• Geraldton Women's Shed
• Gnowangerup Community Resource Centre in partnership with Gnp360
• Irishtown Agricultural Hall Club
• Karlgarin Bowling Club Incorporated
• Kojonup Football Club Incorporated
• Kojonup Soccer - Supported by Apex Club Kojonup
• Mogumber Outback Club, Trading as Mogumber Hub
• Morawa Community Resource Centre Incorporated
• Muntadgin Progress Association
• Narrogin Speedway Club
• Pingelly Community Resource Centre Incorporated
• Pingelly Tourism Group
• Plantagenet Historical Society Incorporated
• Quairading Junior Netball Club
• Quarter Midget Youth Speedway Project 
• Shire of Kondinin
• Southern Scribes
• Spalding Horse and Pony Club Incorporated
• The Merredin Show
• The Narrogin Agricultural Society Incorporated
• Toodyay Triathlon Club
• Wongan & Districts Vintage & Classic Vehicle Club Incorporated
• York Imperials Cricket Club Incorporated.