Site manager Brendon Birss announced the grants yesterday, which included funding for new life jackets for the State Emergency Service (SES).

The grants, made under Fonterra Australia’s Community Sponsorship Program, included donations to Peter’s Project, Carols by the Merri, St John’s Primary School, Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club nipper program, Dennington Cricket Club, Dennington Football Netball Club and Timboon Demons Football Netball Club.

“I was very pleased to introduce the sponsorship program again this year after not running it last year. We know it means a lot to the community,” Mr Birss said.

Mr Birss said Fonterra supported the areas of dairy health, sustainability and dairy education and leadership.

“The grant recipients all make an excellent contribution to our local community in these areas.”

He said the local SES unit was a particularly important cause. 

“Our SES unit is imperative to the safety of our community and the volunteers donate a lot of time and effort to maintain the services. We hope this grant means they won’t have to spend so much of their own time fund-raising.”