The ‘yes’ Optus Regional Community Grants Program is part of our commitment to support local initiatives by connecting regional communities to possibilities.

The 2011 Program:
Applications for the 2011 ‘yes’ Optus Regional Community Grants Program closed on 31 October 2011. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by 1 December 2011.

At Optus, we are here to make a difference to your local regional community and are always open to hearing about initiatives that respond to the needs of local regional communities. Tell us more at optuscountry@optus.com.au

Who we have supported:
The 'yes' Optus Regional Community Grant program has already improved the lives of many regional Australians. Congratulations to the 2010 Grant recipients. Here are some details on a few of the regional towns we have helped.

Fresh Hope Association
Toowoomba Optus Franchisee, Denzil Pugin donated funding towards the Fresh Hope association for a new hall to enable a 'Learning Connections' project for the children in the Fresh Hope program.

Shade area for Emu Park Swim Club
Rockhampton Optus Franchisee, Jim Carew donated a marquee to be used as a shade area for the Emu Park Swim Club, ensuring the young swimmers that use the centre are protected from UV rays from the warm tropical climate.

Newstead Racecourse and Recreation Reserve
Bendigo Optus Franchisee, Cameron Mactier donated funding towards a new amenities block for the venue which will be used for local events and to drive use of the venue once again for the local community.

Ballarat Regional Athletics Centre
Ballarat Optus Franchisee, Terry Jacklin funded new high jump mats and covers to ensure the future of upcoming athletes in the Ballarat region.

Kitchen for Warrnambool Tooram Scout Group
Warrnambool Optus Franchisee, Ellie Reed funded renovations for a new kitchen and hot water system for the Warrnambool Tooram Scout Group which is vital to the long term survival of the community that uses this hall.

Ambrose State School, Gladstone
Jim Carew, Optus Franchisee funded 10 new computers to ensure school kids had access to a functioning computer to assist their learning.

St Joseph's School, Mandurah - New books and reading materials for the school to improve kids learning.

Sacred Heart Primary Morwell VIC
Creation of a music program to develop and allow kids to engage and explore music. The grant provided new instruments and covered the cost of a fully qualified musician funded by Optus Franchisee Michael Koch.

Traralgon South Primary School
Once again, Franchisee Michael Koch supports schools through a vegetable garden for the school to teach students about growing their own vegetables and then use the crop for cooking and education around nutrition and healthy food options.

St Patrick's Primary School, Griffith
Optus Griffith Franchisees Michelle Vardenega and Peter Bonaventura provide a new TV and DVD player for an interactive learning program.