Cubico Sustainable Investments (Cubico) has awarded over $176,000 in sponsorship funding, across 17 Western Downs’ community events and initiatives near its proposed Middle Creek Energy Hub and Marmadua Energy Park renewable energy projects.
Launched in 2024, Cubico’s community grants and sponsorship programs for the Middle Creek and Marmadua projects reflect the company’s commitment to investing early, listening to locals and supporting initiatives that deliver genuine, lasting benefits for the communities hosting its projects.
Cubico’s Head of Country, David Smith said the funding has already made a difference across a diverse range of initiatives, from much-loved community events and festivals to important infrastructure upgrades and life-saving training programs.
“Cubico recognises that communities can feel the impacts of a project well before construction begins. That’s why our community benefit-sharing programs aim to give back early in the development phase of our projects – helping local groups to deliver events, programs and initiatives that bring people together and make a positive difference to the community,” Mr Smith said.
“We are proud to support a range of local projects and events such as the Wandoan Show, Camel Races, Dalby Delicious and Delightful Festival, the Tara Art Exhibition and local Christmas celebrations. These events help strengthen local connections and celebrate what makes each community special.”
Kaitlin James from the Wandoan Camel Races Committee said Cubico’s support helped the event go ahead, and the Committee raised $120,000 for the Wandoan & District Kindergarten.
“The funds raised will directly enhance learning environments and opportunities for local children – a meaningful and lasting impact that we are deeply appreciative of.”
Secretary of the Wandoan Campdraft, Lauren Newton, thanked Cubico for its support of the three-day event and efforts to fundraise for local football field upgrades.
“Cubico’s support in our little community is appreciated – the weekend was a success promoting both local business, family gathering and our favourite sport, campdrafting!”
Supporting resilience and wellbeing through important partnerships
In addition to the $120,000 invested directly into local Western Downs’ community groups, Cubico has partnered with Farm Angels and LifeFlight to further support communities in the region.
In 2025, Cubico contributed $25,000 to Farm Angels, a grassroots organisation dedicated to supporting Australia’s farming and rural communities. Farm Angels provide emergency relief and care packs, mental health support and programs that help farming families recover and build lasting resilience.
Cubico has also partnered with LifeFlight through its First Minutes Matter program, a free trauma training initiative that equips everyday Australians with vital emergency response skills.
Funded equally across three Cubico projects in southern Queensland, Cubico contributed $30,000 to help deliver the program, both online and in-person, to communities across the Western Downs and surrounding regions.
The First Minutes Matter program empowers participants to handle critical medical situations such as burns, bleeding, snake bites, choking, seizures and cardiac events.
Cubico’s benefit-sharing programs are designed to reflect local priorities and deliver lasting value for nearby residents and the broader region. As part of the development of the Middle Creek and Marmadua projects, Cubico has recently undertaken social impact assessments to inform and identify opportunities for long-term social and economic investment.
“We’re looking forward to continuing our grants and sponsorship programs in 2026, while also partnering with local communities, stakeholders and Council to develop our long-term benefit-sharing programs for these projects,” Mr Smith said.
ENDS
To find out more about the Middle Creek Energy Hub and Marmadua Energy Park, visit the dedicated project websites at: www.middlecreekenergyhub.com.au and www.marmaduaenergypark.com.au.
