Investing in our Community

Every year, Oaky Creek Coal invests thousands of dollars to help community-focused organisations get their ideas off the ground to the benefit and engagement of the people in Tieri and the surrounding communities. These ideas range from buying much needed resources or equipment, through to events for the community to enjoy.

For example, Capella State High School received an Oaky Creek Coal Community Investment Grant for their ‘Bush to Beach and Beyond’ leadership program ( ). Capella State High School also received ‘in kind support’ from Oaky Creek Coal for a Trainer to conduct CPR training for senior students.

In addition to the local Oaky Creek Coal Community Investment grants and Oaky Creek Coal Local Community and Family Events Grants, every year Glencore offers a number of corporate grants to benefit the local communities in and around its operations.

Throughout 2023 many of our own local businesses and community organisations servicing Tieri, Capella and the surrounding areas have been the proud recipients of a Glencore corporate grant, including:

2023 Glencore QLD Junior Sport Development Program, Rounds 1 and 2:

• Capella State High School P&C: $7,541 for team sports gear
• Capella State High School: $4,868.45 for all-weather outdoor ping pong table and accessories
• Capella State School: $7,500 for indoor sports equipment for Community Hub
• Capella State School: $7,500 for swimming professional learning, coaching & teaching resources
• Capella Cricket Club: $7,500 for outdoor shaded seating for training nets area
• Capella Campdraft Association: $7,500 for portable panels for Junior Horsemanship Clinics
• Capella Junior Cattledogs: $7,475.40 for marquees & equipment storage

2023 School Scholarships: 

• Capella State High School: $6,000 for 2023 Student Scholarships

2023 School P&C Grants:

• Capella State High School P&C: $14,000 for flexible library furniture

“The Glencore SmartyGrants program is a fantastic opportunity for local sporting and community groups, organisations and schools to benefit from,” says Environment & Community Advisor, Kate French. 

“If your group or organisation could benefit from an injection of cash to help get an event or initiative off the ground, replace old equipment or purchase new resources, I encourage you to apply for one of the many grants available.”

Coming Up in 2024

Both the local Oaky Creek grants and the Glencore grants will open again in 2024, so start thinking about what you have planned for the upcoming year and how your club or group could benefit from a grant.

We asked Kate for her top 5 tips for a winning application:

1. Alignment: Make sure your idea aligns with one of Glencore’s core focus areas of health, education, the environment, and the wellbeing of the local community. We are really interested in the sustainability of our community investments and how they will continue to benefit the community or sporting organisation into the future – e.g.: assets, fundraising equipment, etc.
2. Enrichment: Explain how it addresses the need you’ve identified and how it will benefit or enrich the community.
3. Detailed: Bring your idea to life by including as much detail as possible. Remember, this is the first and only time Glencore will have heard about your idea so create a clear, detailed picture in their minds of what you want your idea to achieve. Be as specific as possible.
4. Precise: Understand what your idea will cost, how much funding you are applying for and, if applicable, how much you are getting from elsewhere.
5. Informed: Don’t be afraid to ask for help! We’re here to answer any questions you have on how to complete the application form, so please get in touch via occenvironment@glencore.com.au

For more information on the grants, the application process, guidelines and deadlines, and to apply for a grant, please visit the Glencore SmartyGrants website, https://glencore.smartygrants.com.au.