Investing in our Community

Every year Glencore invests thousands of dollars in local community projects and initiatives through its Smarty Grants program.

The aim of the Smarty Grants program is to give community-focused organisations a helping hand getting their ideas off the ground to the benefit and engagement of the people in communities surrounding the area in which we operate.

“We’re passionate about supporting community group initiatives to upgrade local services and facilities,” explains Joel May, Environment & Community Manager at Oaky Creek Coal.

 “The different levels of our grants program allow us to create and maintain partnerships with local government and education bodies, as well as help facilitate family-friendly, inclusive community programs and events.”

 Two recent examples of this are the Capella Rodeo (see Events page) and Glencore’s partnership with Capella State High School which has enabled them to purchase new machinery for their manual arts workshops, and even establish a school radio station in 2023. Glencore also sponsored two of the school’s pinnacle awards aimed at fostering leadership in young people from both Tieri and Capella who demonstrate leadership potential. With the funding, the school has established a leadership programme that takes those students through a series of leadership development challenges. At the  , Joel proudly awarded Lily Peacock, a year seven student, with the Glencore Junior Leader of the Year award, along with $200, for her outstanding contributions leading her fellow students with strength and encouragement. Additional funding has gone towards the 2023 Glencore Tertiary Scholarships to support graduates who are continuing on to university entry in 2023. These students will each receive a $2,000 scholarship to assist with their relocation and study expenses. The scholarships were awarded to Jack Thompson, Colby Campbell, and Cassandra Hood. Huge congratulations to Lily, Jack, Colby and Cassandra!

So far this year, through the Smarty Grant program, Glencore has invested a total of $66,806 in community initiatives, across:

• Education, including the ‘Engaging for Success’ program at Tieri State School, Tieri Daycare group time mat, Tieri State School student awards, Capella State School cultural celebration day
• Health initiatives such as Janis’ Colour Run Fundraiser, meals and accommodation for visiting health services, Tieri State School health & hygiene packs, Tieri Family Unit and Child Health Centre letterbox drops; and
• The local community, including Capella Show Ball Gala, Tieri Golf Pro-Am, Capella Christmas in July Markets, Mackay Central Highlands 6th Annual Championships, Capella Rodeo, Emu Park Golf Pro-Am.

Do you have an idea or initiative that could benefit our local community?

 Then make sure you apply for a Glencore Smarty Grant by visiting https://glencore.smartygrants.com.au/.

To be eligible for a Smarty Grant, you must represent a local not-for-profit club or organisation, and – importantly – the grant application must be for an idea, project or initiative that addresses an identified need within the community, for example:

• Health and wellbeing: ideas relating to sport, exercise, and mental health, and encourage healthy lifestyles and better health care
• The environment: including wildlife, ecosystems, recycling and sustainability
• Education: such as learning materials and resources, educational events or skills development
• The local community: ideas for events and activities that engage, promote and foster community spirit.

“We know Tieri is full of passionate people with amazing ideas on how we can improve our town and the services available, or for events that can help bring our community together,” says Joel.

 “We’re always looking for initiatives to support so if your club is working on something that meets the grant criteria, we’d love to support you”

 In addition to the Oaky Creek Coal specific grants, Glencore provides additional grants at a corporate level. Stay turned to the Smarty Grants portal for these grants which are also available to our community, including the:

• Glencore QLD Junior Sports Development Program – 2023 Round 1 & 2
• Glencore QLD School P&C Grant and Glencore School Scholarships
• Glencore QLD Community Investment Program.