SEC Community Benefit Fund backs local projects in Horsham
30 October 2026
Nine community groups and organisations across Horsham will share more than $126,000 through the SEC Renewable Energy Park – Horsham Community Benefit Fund, supporting local projects that strengthen community connections and create lasting benefits for the region.
SEC is pleased to announce the following recipients:
| Recipient | Project description |
|---|---|
| Rotary Club of Horsham East | The Science and Engineering Challenge delivers an accessible program for school students across Australia to consider a future in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. |
| The Men’s Table | Focusing on the mental well-being of men, the Men's Table fosters a safe place for males to take part in open and confidential discussions, reducing feelings of isolation and creating an inclusive and open environment through various events. |
| St Vincent de Paul | Provides ongoing support to vulnerable households facing cost of living pressures with a particular focus on food relief and education support. |
| Phoenix Animal Rescue Horsham | A proposed two-bay secured dog run for animals at risk of euthanasia to provide a safe space for vulnerable dogs before being placed in a foster care placement or available for adoption. |
| ACT Natimuk | Development of a purpose-built, solar-powered mobile projection tower and delivery of community workshops in film, animation, projection and visual storytelling that will allow local artists, community groups, young people and residents to share stories about Natimuk and its surrounding landscape. |
| Horsham Neighborhood House | A program for First Nations and local multicultural groups to help educate and enhance digital skills including photography. Participants will also take part in culturally appropriate mindfulness training to further gain an understanding of community, culture, local nature and art. Work produced will be exhibited to the community. |
| Smart Arts Theatre | Dance Connect: Expanding Horizons is a regional inclusive dance development project that will strengthen participation opportunities for people with disability within the arts community of the Wimmera. |
| Horsham Lawn Tennis Club | The Club will continue to encourage community participation while enhancing its capacity to host major regional events with a new, energy efficient barbeque. This upgrade will enable the Club to serve free, healthy meals to junior players during competitions and when hosting the Tennis Victoria Inter-Regional Country Championships in January 2027. |
| Horsham Apex Club | Upgrades to Apex Adventure Island will involve proposed installation of three shade shelters, each equipped with a picnic table to improve the island for the local community. |
The Fund was created in 2025 with input from more than 150 community members and a local committee, which includes five representatives from local organisations and the community.
Applications were assessed on their community benefit, alignment with local priorities and ability to deliver meaningful outcomes.
The successful recipients support the Fund's key objectives of:
- Creating and strengthening social connections across the community.
- Building the capacity of local organisations and businesses to support sustainable progress.
Lane Crockett, SEC’s Executive General Manager, Assets said the Fund will help support local organisations turn community priorities into practical projects.
“Local organisations know their communities and where support can make the greatest difference. These grants will help them put their ideas into action and deliver benefits for people across the Horsham area," he said.
“We want the community to share in the long-term benefits of the SEC Renewable Energy Park – Horsham. Supporting projects that matter to local people is an important part of that commitment.
“Congratulations to the successful recipients and thank you to everyone who contributed their ideas to help shape the fund. We are particularly grateful to the members of our assessment committee for giving us so much of their time throughout the assessment process and ensuring the fund meets local priorities and expectations.”
The SEC Renewable Energy Park – Horsham includes a 119-megawatt solar farm and a two-hour battery energy storage system. Alongside generating enough renewable energy to power around 51,000 homes, the project is helping deliver long-term benefits for the local community through initiatives such as the Community Benefit Fund.
The project is expected to begin commercial operations in 2027.
