In 2024, Snowy Hydro will proudly celebrate 75 years of the iconic Snowy Scheme with a series of community-focused initiatives. Snowy Hydro will host several events and support grassroots, community-led projects through a special 75th Anniversary Community Grants Fund, honouring our decades of commitment to the Snowy Mountains community.
To honour the former workforce who constructed the Snowy Scheme, along with their families, Snowy Hydro will host a reunion event in Cooma on Saturday, 19 October. The Tumut 3 Power Station Community Open Day is also confirmed for early November in Talbingo.
While celebrating our 75-year milestone, Snowy Hydro is also committed to supporting local, emerging leaders who will continue the legacy of the Snowy Scheme into the future. As part of this commitment, the company will launch a university scholarship program to commence in 2025, with details to be announced in August.
The 75th Anniversary Community Grants Fund offers grants of up to $5,000 for local community groups. This targeted funding aims to empower local community groups to celebrate the proud history of the Snowy Scheme in ways that are most meaningful to them.
The first construction blast of the Snowy Scheme took place in Adaminaby on 17 October 1949, 75 years ago. With a strong tradition of celebrating milestones and honouring the legacy of the Snowy Scheme, Snowy Hydro recognises that these celebrations are deeply shared with the communities across the Snowy Mountains, many of which were established during the construction era.
Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said the company was committed to acknowledging this significant milestone with meaningful, community-led initiatives reflecting the legacy of the Snowy Scheme.
“We understand the community’s expectations for the 75th anniversary to be marked appropriately, especially among those with family members who worked on the Snowy Scheme construction. We believe that community-led celebrations and projects will resonate, particularly with those who appreciate the huge contribution the Scheme has made and continues to make to Australia,” Dennis said.
Successful applications for the 75th Anniversary Community Grants Fund must clearly demonstrate a connection to the history and legacy of the Snowy Scheme, with innovative and creative ideas strongly encouraged.
Initiatives should show how they will engage and benefit the local community and recognise the former workforce. Additionally, applications must provide a clear plan for execution, including timelines with a detailed budget outlining the use of the grant funds.
Through these initiatives, Snowy Hydro hopes to foster a deeper connection to our shared heritage and to highlight the historical significance and lasting impact of the Snowy Scheme.
By supporting these community-led endeavours, Snowy Hydro hopes the memories and stories of the Snowy Scheme continue to be celebrated and remembered for generations to come.
For more information about the 75th Anniversary Community Grants Fund, how to apply and the assessment criteria, please visit our website at www.snowyhydro.com.au/75years or contact community@snowyhydro.com.au