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News

COMMUNITY CELEBRATES STARS FOUNDATION LAUNCH IN TUMUT

13/03/2024

A community open day has been held at Tumut High School to celebrate the official launch of the inaugural Stars Foundation Tumut Program, sponsored by Snowy Hydro.

Students, parents, community members and local Indigenous Elders attended the Tuesday 12 March event, along with representatives from the Stars Foundation, Tumut High School, Department of Regional NSW, Snowy Valleys Council and Snowy Hydro.

The partnership will provide long-term improved health, education and employment outcomes for Indigenous girls and young women from Tumut and the surrounding region.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said the company’s three-year sponsorship for the Stars Foundation Tumut Program continued Snowy’s commitment to initiatives that supported young people’s education and wellbeing.

“There are 39 students involved in the first year of the Stars Foundation Tumut Program and we look forward to engaging with these inspiring young women in a variety of ways, including encouraging their studies in science, technology engineering and maths (STEM) fields.

“We’re keen to highlight the many career pathways with Snowy through work experience, apprenticeships and traineeships.

“Snowy Hydro is a major local employer in the Snowy Mountains region and we are committed to supporting and investing in the success of local people.”
Founder and CEO of Stars Foundation, Andrea Goddard, said: “Stars is delighted to be working with the Tumut community and we welcome the opportunity to support and empower the First Nations Tumut students to identify their goals and reach their full potential.
“We are very grateful for the commitment from Snowy Hydro to enable us to establish this new Stars program for the Tumut community.”
Established in 2015, the Stars Foundation provides a holistic, intensive, full-time mentoring program that supports and empowers more than 3,020 female Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women in primary and secondary schools across six states and territories.

News

JOIN US FOR SNOWY 2.0 COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSIONS

08/03/2024

If you’re interested in the latest updates from the Snowy 2.0 project, come along to information sessions being held throughout the Snowy Mountains this month.

The Snowy 2.0 delivery team, led by Snowy Hydro, is hosting events in Talbingo, Tumut, Tumbarumba, Adaminaby and Cooma, with opportunities to find out more about the project, ask questions and provide your feedback.

These in-person events will cover a range of topics including:

  • project news and construction activities 
  • engineering innovations and manufacturing
  • traffic management, environment and safety
  • accommodation, recreation access and other local issues; 
  • local suppliers, jobs and training on Snowy 2.0.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said it was essential local people were updated about progress on Snowy 2.0 and that they understood the significance of the project.

“What’s being constructed right here in the mountains is a critically important renewable energy project that will help maintain Australia’s grid security and reliability well into the future,” Dennis said. 

“It is a large and complex project that’s also generating jobs and significant investment in regional areas.

“We’re committed to keeping our local communities informed about Snowy 2.0 and responding to any concerns. We are available to answer questions at our information sessions so I encourage people to come along to hear from the project team directly.”

The Snowy 2.0 community information sessions are held twice yearly. Some are drop-in sessions, with the chance to speak one-on-one with project team members from Snowy Hydro and principal contractor Future Generation Joint Venture. Other events feature a formal presentation followed by community Q&As.

Community information sessions schedule:

Date Town and locationTime
Thursday 14 March 2024
Thursday 14 March 2024		Talbingo shops
Tumut River Brewing Co		12pm – 2pm
6pm – 7.30pm
Friday 15 March 2024Near Tumbarumba IGA, The Parade12pm – 2pm
Wednesday 20 March 2024Adaminaby Bowling Club6pm – 7.30pm
Thursday 21 March 2024Cooma Car Club6pm – 7.30pm
News

SNOWY HYDRO STEM FUNDING FOR LOCAL SCHOOLS NOW AVAILABLE

19/02/2024

Following the success of the inaugural Snowy Hydro Local School STEM Fund in 2023, the funding program focused on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) excursions will run again in 2024. Snowy Hydro will extend the opportunity for Snowy Mountains and Cessnock schools to apply for grants of up to $10,000.

Recognising that today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce, Snowy Hydro plays a pivotal role in supporting teachers and students by aligning educational programs with industry expertise.

Last year these grants provided thousands of students and 18 Snowy Mountains schools – primary and secondary, both public and private – hands-on interactive STEM experiences.

The program is part of Snowy Hydro’s ongoing commitment to local regions, which already supports various STEM initiatives, including a First Nations Science Camp, the development of a robotics club, 3D printers, an aquaponics project and the enhancement of school resources for the next generation of innovators.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said: “Snowy is dedicated to fostering education opportunities in and out of the classroom and assisting in developing career pathways.
“The funding is just one example of Snowy Hydro’s ongoing commitment to education and development in support of STEM, particularly among our local communities.”

The funding program complements Snowy’s successful Snowy STEM Academy, the annual Science of the Snowy Scheme Competition, and the unique tailored programs for local schools.

Applications for the 2024 Local School STEM fund open Monday 26 February and must be lodged by Monday 25 March.

Local schools can apply for funding of up to $10,000 to support science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) related excursions, student sponsorship, equipment, and camps.

All applications must be completed online via the Snowy Hydro website.

For more information about Snowy Hydro’s Local School STEM fund and to apply visit: https://www.snowyhydro.com.au/local-school-stem-fund-2024/

News

OVER 25 GROUPS BENEFIT FROM SNOWY HYDRO COMMUNITY GRANTS

11/12/2023

Snowy Hydro continues its strong support for local not-for-profit organisations and community groups, with almost $150,000 distributed to 29 applicants in the second round of the 2023 community grants program.

In this round, more than 70 grant applications were received, which offered grants of up to $10,000 to support projects, local festivals, events and initiatives that benefit the local communities of the Snowy Mountains and surrounds.

The funding was distributed across the three Local Government Areas (LGAs) where our hydro regions operate. The grants support activities such as an Indigenous mentoring program; respite housing fitout, community race days, shows and large regional festivals; the creation of educational signage and murals at local museums and historical societies; along with care packages for those suffering from cancer.

The successful applications are all underpinned by Snowy Hydro’s four community commitment pillars – education and development, health and wellbeing, regional capacity building and environment. 

Each year the Snowy Hydro Community Grants Program has two rounds of funding. The first round of applications for 2024 will open in February. Please ensure your application aligns with Snowy Hydro’s Community Commitment Pillars and grant selection criteria. Each round numerous applications are received and not all will be successful. 

In order to be eligible for a grant, each application undergoes a diligent assessment process to maintain consistency and transparency across the program. Applicant groups must be located within the Snowy Monaro, Snowy Valleys or Towong LGAs, be a non-profit group or organisation holding an Australian Business Number (ABN) and align with Snowy Hydro’s Values.

Applications are to be submitted online via the Snowy Hydro website and the proposed project or event must respond to a community need, provide tangible benefits to the community, strengthen the community by providing opportunities that align with Snowy Hydro’s community commitment pillars, demonstrate strong governance, foster strong and sustainable partnerships within the community and return value for investment.

For more information about Snowy Hydro’s Community Grants Program visit: https://www.snowyhydro.com.au/communitygrantsprogram/

News

SCIENCE OF THE SNOWY SCHEME COMPETITION WINNERS

04/12/2023

Snowy Hydro is excited to announce the winners of this year’s annual Science of the Snowy Scheme Competition, from a total of 128 entries!

This year’s competition was created to increase students’ engagement with Snowy Hydro STEM experts during National Science Week 2023.

Stage 2 and 3 (year 3-6) students in the Snowy Mountains and surrounding areas were given the opportunity to take part in the competition, which included a colouring-in and a written response task. The students were asked to answer the question: Who is someone that inspires you and why? 

The children were inspired and excited to use their creativity while also displaying insightfulness in their written pieces. Some students wrote about their parents or friends, others discussed their teachers, favourite singers, athletes and celebrities.

There were two judging categories to review entries across stage 2 and stage 3. This included an esteemed and diverse panel of four judges, as well as ‘Community Choice’ voting. 

The ‘Judges’ Choice’ panel included the Hon Kristy McBain MP, Member for Eden-Monaro, local artist Rowena Evans, David Eisenhauer from local radio Sounds of the Mountains and Snowy Hydro mechanical engineer Sara Roder. 

The competition entries were open to the public to vote for the ‘Community Choice’, where all student work was available for viewing and voting on the Snowy Hydro website. 

All judging has now concluded, with a winner and runner-up selected for stage 2 and 3, under each judging category. The winners will receive a VIP catered experience at the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre and a STEM prize package valued at $150 and the runners-up will each collect a STEM prize pack, also valued at $150 each. 

Snowy Hydro are proud to announce the winners of the 2023 Science of the Snowy Scheme Competition:

Judges’ Choice – Winners 

Stage 2 – Ellie Reid | St Patrick’s Parish School Cooma

Stage 3 – Clara Stefanetto | St Patrick’s Parish School Cooma

Judges’ Choice – Runners-up

Stage 2 – Emilio Brazulaitis | St Patrick’s Parish School Cooma

Stage 3 – Cormac Girling | St Patrick’s Parish School Cooma

Community Choice – Winners

Stage 2 – Bella Chorvat | Cooma Public School

Stage 3 – Lola Tonissen | Delegate Public School

Community Choice – Runners-up

Stage 2 – Hamish Walker | Delegate Public School

Stage 3 – Harlan Ingram | Delegate Public School

The winning entries will be displayed on the Snowy Hydro website and showcased at the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in Cooma. 
Stay tuned for the 2024 Science of the Snowy Scheme Competition which will run in Term 2. For more activities, visit the Snowy Hydro Next Generation Education Academy on the Snowy Hydro website. https://www.snowyhydro.com.au/education/nextgen/

News

SNOWY 2.0 PROJECT – COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSIONS IN NOVEMBER

02/11/2023

Interested in the latest updates from the Snowy 2.0 renewable energy mega project? 

Snowy Hydro and Snowy 2.0 principal contractor Future Generation Joint Venture are inviting local community members to attend information sessions being held throughout the Snowy Mountains in November. 

These in-person events enable locals to be updated about the project, ask questions and provide feedback. Hear from the Snowy 2.0 team about:

  • the recent project reset  
  • project progress, construction activities and news
  • traffic management, environment and safety
  • accommodation, recreation access and other local issues; 
  • local suppliers, jobs and training on Snowy 2.0.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said with a significant public focus on Snowy 2.0 in recent months, the sessions provided opportunities to find out more directly from project team members.

“We are committed to being open and transparent with you – our local communities – about our  large and complex pumped-hydro project. A project of this scale and complexity has, and will, face challenges, but we continue to make solid progress across our construction and manufacturing operations. 

“Snowy 2.0 is being engineered to deliver clean and reliable storage and electricity generation for Australians for the next 150 years. It is a project that is generating jobs and significant investment in regional areas.

“I encourage everyone to come along to one of our community information sessions to hear the latest about Snowy 2.0, discuss any local concerns that you may have and ask questions.”

The Snowy 2.0 community information sessions in November will be held in Talbingo, Tumut, Tumbarumba, Cooma and Adaminaby. 

There will be some drop-in sessions, with the chance to speak one-on-one with project team members, and events featuring a formal presentation followed by community Q&As.

Community information sessions schedule:

Date Town and locationTime
Wednesday 8 November 2023
Wednesday 8 November 2023		Talbingo shops
Tumut River Brewing Co		12.00pm-2.00pm
6.00pm-7.30pm
Thursday 9 November 2023Near Tumbarumba IGA, The Parade12.00pm-2.00pm
Tuesday 14 November 2023Cooma Car Club6.00pm-7.30pm
Wednesday 15 November 2023Adaminaby Bowling Club6.00pm-7.30pm
News

NEW MAJOR PARTNERSHIP – SNOWY VALLEYS SCULPTURE TRAIL

23/10/2023

Engineering meets art on a grand scale, with Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes today announcing a new major sponsorship of the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail (SVST).

The SVST partnership includes funding from Snowy Hydro for seven new sculptures and a school education program aimed at delivering artist-led sculpture workshops to more than 1,500 school children in the Snowy Valleys Region.

“Snowy Hydro is proud to take on the role of Major Partner of the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail, a partnership that underscores our long-term, ongoing commitment to the local communities we operate in,” Dennis said.

“The Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail is celebrated for its eye-catching outdoor art installations throughout the picturesque Snowy Valleys region and our support will enhance the trail’s reach, making it more accessible and engaging for both residents and visitors alike. We hope it will also draw more tourists to the region, thereby benefiting the local economy.”

The seven new Snowy Hydro-funded sculptures will be leased and installed over the next two years adding to the 35 existing artworks located between Adelong and Tooma, including the historic towns of Batlow, Talbingo and Tumbarumba. 

A key element of Snowy Hydro’s exciting partnership with SVST is the School Education Program. This program will bring artist-led sculpture workshops to 14 primary schools in the Snowy Valleys Region, along with two schools in Cooma and the Adaminaby Public School. Students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of art, creativity, and engineering through the added participation of Snowy Hydro engineers in the workshops.

Dennis emphasised the importance of the program, which aligned with Snowy Hydro’s education focus on science, technology, engineering and maths and engaging young people in activities that spark future careers.

“We believe that art and engineering go hand-in-hand, which is why they’re both core parts of our Next Generation Education Academy activities. Sculptures, like our hydroelectric projects, require a high level of engineering skill and creativity. 

“By exposing students to these artist-led workshops, we hope to inspire the next generation of engineers and artists right here in our local community.”

Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail Founding CEO & Artistic Director David Handley expressed that:“It has been a humbling privilege to work with the local communities across the Snowy Valleys to create the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail as one of the most important cultural projects in regional Australia.  

“Snowy Hydro’s sponsorship means we are able to continue to deliver what we set out to do in providing the School Education Program for free to thousands of students across the Snowy Valleys, while building on the sculpture trail to offer visitors another reason to come back again and again to enjoy this stunning part of Australia.”

Snowy Hydro looks forward to working closely with the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail team and schools across the region to foster a deeper appreciation for art, engineering and innovation.

News

SNOWY HYDRO COMMUNITY GRANTS ROUND TWO – APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

22/09/2023

Snowy Hydro is a long-time major supporter of communities and is proud to announce that the second round of the 2023 Snowy Hydro Community Grants Program is now open. 

Grants of up to $10,000 are available to support projects, local festivals, events and initiatives that benefit the local communities of the Snowy Mountains and surrounds.

In the first round of Snowy Hydro’s Community Grants Program earlier this year, there were more than 45 grant applications, with a total of $143,000 of funding distributed to 20 successful applicants.

The grants are available to a varied range of community groups, events and initiatives that align with Snowy Hydro’s four community commitment pillars of education and development, health and wellbeing, regional capacity building and environment.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said “Snowy is proud of our ongoing commitment to communities and is pleased to provide positive, lasting outcomes and opportunities to the regions in which we live, work and serve.” 

“If you have a project, activity or event that benefits the local communities of the Snowy Mountains and surrounds, I encourage you to check your eligibility and apply!” Dennis said.

In order to be eligible for a grant, each application has to undergo a diligent assessment process to maintain consistency and transparency across the program. Before applying, please ensure your application aligns with Snowy Hydro’s Community Commitment Pillars and grant selection criteria. 

The proposed project or event should respond to a community need, provide tangible benefits to the community, strengthen the community by providing opportunities, demonstrate strong governance, foster strong and sustainable partnerships within the community and return value for investment. Importantly, applicant groups must be located within the Snowy Monaro or Snowy Valleys LGAs, or Corryong, Victoria, be a non-profit group or organisation that holds an Australian Business Number (ABN) and align with Snowy Hydro’s Values. All applications are to be submitted online via the online form, found on the Snowy Hydro website.

Applications for round 2 of the Snowy Hydro Community Grants Program must be received by Friday 15 October. Following the evaluation period, applicants will be advised of the outcome by 30 November 2022.

For more information about Snowy Hydro’s Community Grants Program visit: https://www.snowyhydro.com.au/communitygrantsprogram/

News

SNOWY HYDRO AND RED ENERGY SPONSOR KEEP AUSTRALIA BEAUTIFUL AWARDS

22/08/2023

Snowy Hydro and Red Energy are proud to announce the sponsorship of the Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation category in the Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Tidy Towns & Sustainable Cities Awards. 

Keep Australia Beautiful NSW is a national non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting litter prevention, environmental sustainability and community engagement. 

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said the company’s sponsorship of the KAB NSW Tidy Towns & Sustainable Cities Awards would help increase awareness about how Snowy is supporting the transition to renewables in Australia. 

“We are proud to have lived, breathed and delivered renewable energy to Australians through the mighty Snowy Scheme for generations,” Dennis said. “We are committed to continuing this legacy and enhancing it.

“The combined Red Energy and Snowy Hydro support for the KAB partnership continues our consistent commitment to sustainability and the communities in which we live and work.”

Through its programs and campaigns, Keep Australia Beautiful NSW inspires individuals and communities to take action in preserving and enhancing the natural and built environments.

The Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Tidy Towns & Sustainable Cities Awards celebrate the achievements of communities that demonstrate outstanding environmental practices, social inclusivity, and economic viability. By sponsoring the Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation category, Snowy Hydro and Red Energy aim to encourage and motivate communities to take proactive measures towards climate resilience and a clean energy future. 

This category focuses on recognising and rewarding local initiatives that address the challenges posed by climate change. These include the involvement of government and non-government organisations, community groups, businesses, schools, and individuals across NSW focusing on projects like renewable energy, enabling communities to adapt to a changing climate, and community engagement. 
For more information about the Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Awards and the Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation category, please visit KAB NSW Sustainability Awards website.

News

SNOWY HYDRO SPONSORS TRADE DAY FOR YOUNG WOMEN

14/08/2023

Energised by electricity? Handy with a hammer? Nimble with numbers? Women keen to pick up the tools can find out more about an exciting new career at a trade day in Corryong sponsored by the Snowy Hydro Community Grants Program.

Hosted by Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT), the Tool Skills Day on Thursday 7 September aims to inspire local high school and TAFE students and other young women in Corryong to learn a skilled trade in the disciplines of civil, electrical and mechanical.

EWIT was one of 20 successful applicants receiving a total of $143,000 in funding from round one of the 2023 Snowy Hydro Community Grants. The highly successful program offers grants of up to $10,000 to support projects, festivals, events and initiatives which benefit the local communities of the Snowy Mountains and surrounds.

The EWIT proposal for a Tool Skills Day aimed at young women strongly aligns with Snowy Hydro’s community commitment pillar of education and development. 

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said fostering education opportunities and career pathways for local young people was a key focus for the company.

“We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and we are keen to encourage young women into non-traditional roles like trades,” Dennis said. “At Snowy, we have a range of entry-level programs that provide a fantastic opportunity to get local young people straight from the classroom into an energising and practical career.

“We are very pleased to be supporting the EWIT Tools Skills Day at Corryong – where many of our Murray region staff live – through the Snowy Hydro Community Grants Program.”

The Tool Skills Day will be held in Corryong from 9.30am – 2.30pm on 7 September 2023. There will be hands-on EWIT workshops, an exploration of trades-based career pathways, the opportunity to chat one-on-one with ‘tradie ladies’ and more.  

Young local women interested in attending this fun, interactive event can register on the EWIT website. Places are limited, so get in quickly.

Local organisations can apply for funding from round two of the 2023 Snowy Hydro Community Grants Program. Applications open this month and must be submitted online via the Snowy Hydro website by 8 September.

All applications will be assessed against the program’s grants criteria – there is more information available on the website. 

Your proposed project or event must respond to a community need, provide tangible benefits to the community, strengthen the community by providing opportunities that align with Snowy Hydro’s community commitment pillars, demonstrate strong governance, foster strong and sustainable partnerships within the community and return value for investment.

**EWIT is an organisation that champions tradeswomen, diversity and gender equality. Its  mission is to transform the trades industry by empowering women and fostering a culture of inclusivity. EWIT works with education institutions and industry leaders to increase women’s participation in trades, provide opportunities for them to learn trade skills and assist them to thrive in the workforce.

News

SNOWY HYDRO PARTNERS WITH STARS FOUNDATION IN TUMUT

11/08/2023
Photo credit, Stars Foundation

Snowy Hydro is proud to announce a significant partnership with the Stars Foundation to support its new Tumut High School-based program that will deliver improved health, education and employment outcomes for local Indigenous girls and young women.

The three-year sponsorship for the inaugural Stars Foundation Tumut Program continues Snowy Hydro’s commitment to initiatives that support our local communities to develop and thrive.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said the opportunity to assist the development of local Indigenous girls through the foundation’s intensive school-based mentoring was extremely important.

“This new sponsorship for the Stars Foundation will help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls in the Tumut region to realise their potential in all aspects of their development and wellbeing,” Dennis said. “We want to see these students shine.

“Snowy already has a successful partnership with the Clontarf Foundation in Tumut, which supports Indigenous boys to continue their schooling. 

“Enabling the Stars Foundation to deliver their mentoring and engagement programs to Indigenous young women in the same area is exciting for us.

“It’s not only about funding the Stars Foundation’s work – Snowy Hydro also has the chance to encourage students’ studies in science, technology engineering and maths (STEM) fields and highlight career pathways with Snowy through work experience, apprenticeships and traineeships.

“Snowy Hydro is a major employer and community supporter in the Snowy Mountains region, delivering many training and education opportunities, and we want to invest in the success of local people.

“We believe that by empowering these young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, Snowy Hydro is not only supporting students; but their families, communities and future generations.”

Established in 2015, the Stars Foundation provides a holistic mentoring program that supports more than 2,800 female First Nations students in primary and secondary schools across six states and territories. 

The Foundation’s key indicators have shown that through this program, there is an increase in school attendance (82% attendance) 13% higher than the Indigenous student average, resulting in over 90% of senior students completing Year 12 every year since Stars programs began. 85% of graduates successfully transition into further study or employment within six months of school completion.

News

STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM SNOWY HYDRO LOCAL SCHOOL STEM FUND

26/06/2023

Hundreds of students across 18 Snowy Mountains schools will benefit from Snowy Hydro’s inaugural Local School STEM Fund program. The 2023 funding has been allocated to both primary and secondary from public and private schools to provide students with hands-on interactive experiences, challenging their creativity and critical thinking.

Through the program, Snowy Hydro has supported a varied range of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) initiatives, including an aquaponics project, 3D printers, a First Nations Science Camp, upgrades to equipment in science classrooms, development of a robotics club, enhancement of resources, the establishment and expansion of school programs and clubs, and the launch of various projects such as a sustainable garden and a township design. 

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said the collaboration with local schools will encourage and promote problem-solving skills for students, both in and out of the classroom and assist their career pathways.

“The funding is just one example of Snowy Hydro’s ongoing commitment to education and development in support of STEM, particularly among our local communities,” Dennis said. 

The real-world application of STEM allows students to interact with the subject material and develop a diverse range of skill sets. By seeing the outcomes of STEM throughout their lives and assessing the outcomes for themselves, their schools, community and surrounding environments, a unique and engaging learning space is created. 

Dennis said he was proud to announce the Local School STEM fund was “supporting schools in 10 locations, providing approximately $160,000 of funding to contribute to the growth of local students.” 

The outcomes of the funded initiatives will assist students with the understanding of sustainability, combine ancient knowledge and modern technology, build on existing STEM skills, develop critical thinking, strengthen student confidence and promote the balance of research and design. 

To further engagement and involvement with education, Snowy Hydro is committed to continuing this beneficial program. The next round of applications will open in February 2024.

For more information about Snowy Hydro’s Local School STEM Fund visit:

https://www.snowyhydro.com.au/local-school-stem-fund-2/