Nambour’s Vinnies has been awarded $12,500 Energy Efficient Communities grants to reduce electricity costs and redirect the savings to help others. Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien announced the federal funding recently.

“We know that community groups struggle under the weight of high power prices, and now the Coronavirus has also affected their ability to fundraise,” Mr O’Brien said. “So I’m delighted the Morrison Government is providing this type of practical support which allows these wonderful organisations to reduce their energy use without reducing productivity.”

Northern Central Diocesan President John Harrison said he hoped the installation of solar panels would make their power bill cost neutral. “The funding will be used for purchasing and installing solar panels on the roof of our warehouse at Nambour and that will mean that we will save substantial amounts on our electricity bill for now and in the future,” Mr Harrison said.

“The money we save from that will be used to support those that are less well off in our community.”