Funding to support local priorities

Sponsorship Program

The WRL Sponsorship Program provides $1 million over four years to support local communities. An initial $250,000 is available upfront, regardless of whether the WRL project proceeds, with the remaining funding becoming available if the project is approved.

Sponsorships are available for events, activities and partnerships that build visibility, connection and create positive local outcomes. Funding is available to organisations that are comfortable featuring the WRL brand and co-delivering agreed promotional opportunities.

The Sponsorship Program aims to reach a broad range of community groups, not-for-profits, charities and volunteer-led organisations, supporting initiatives that meet at least one of three priorities:

Contributing to the resilience and prosperity of communities along the proposed alignment
Facilitating economic growth and development
Backing community-led progress toward a net zero future

Funding tiers include:

$5,000 – Foundation package, such as WRL branding on your channels
$20,000 – Momentum package, such as WRL branding on your channels and featured on materials or collateral within your event or program
Legacy tier – $15,000 per year for three years (available if the project proceeds to construction)

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are allocated.

Read the guidelines Apply for a sponsorship

Our sponsorship recipients

We are proud to support organisations delivering practical and meaningful benefits for their communities.

Lexton Community Hall

Creating a welcoming space for community connection

Lexton Community Hall is working to bring the ‘hall’ back to the centre of community life through the Lexton Lounge, a welcoming space where residents can connect, share ideas and take part in social activities.

WRL sponsorship is supporting upgrades to the lounge and hall precinct, including new audiovisual equipment, improved accessibility and landscaping. These enhancements will create more opportunities for people of all ages and interests to come together through activities such as digital drop-in sessions, indoor bowls, live entertainment, movie nights and community gatherings.

Royal Flying Doctor Service, St Arnaud

Getting people to the care they need

Flying Doctor Community Transport provides eligible residents of St Arnaud and surrounding communities with free, safe and reliable transport to vital healthcare appointments. Supported by trained local volunteer drivers, the service helps people with limited transport options access essential healthcare services.

WRL is supporting the service through a three-year Legacy tier sponsorship and will support expansion of the program’s reach to meet ongoing demand.

Ride Ballarat

A new ride. A lasting impact

Ride Ballarat is a new cycling event bringing people together to raise vital funds for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute (FECRI), building on the fundraising legacy of the Ballarat Cycle Classic. On Sunday 15 November 2026, riders can take on the 50km Short Macchiato or 100km Long Macchiato, starting and finishing at Ballarat’s Major Events Precinct. The Event Village will welcome families and spectators with local food, fun activities and riders to cheer home.

WRL is supporting Ride Ballarat through a three-year Legacy tier sponsorship, helping cover event operating costs so entry fees and participant fundraising can support FECRI’s cancer research. Together, we’re helping a new event build a lasting contribution to cancer research right here in regional Victoria.

Ballarat Football Netball Club

Safe sport for every age and level

The largest club in the region, Ballarat Football Netball Club fields junior and senior football and netball teams for all walks and ages. Growing participation brings a growing need for qualified trainers, first aid support and accredited umpires across every program.

The club’s health and wellbeing program is being supported by WRL’s three-year Legacy tier sponsorship, including trainer development, medical supplies and officials for junior and senior competitions.

Diggers Rest Junior Football Netball Club

Supporting junior sport, rain or shine

The volunteer coaches, families and committee members at Diggers Rest Junior Football Netball Club provides local kids with access to team sport. For netballers, that often means long stretches on an open court bench, whatever the weather.

Through a Momentum tier sponsorship, WRL is funding new bench marquees for the netball program, giving players, coaches, officials and volunteers shelter from the elements on training nights and match days.

How to apply

Interested in applying for sponsorship?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until available funds are allocated.

If you would like to discuss an idea before applying, contact the team at grants@westernrenewableslink.com.au or call 1800 WRL WRL (975 975) between 8:30am and 5:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Applying for or receiving sponsorship does not indicate support for the WRL project and does not affect anyone’s right to oppose it.

Read the guidelines Apply for a sponsorship