Unitywater Executive Manager for Customer and Community Katherine Gee said Unitywater supports social and environmental causes by partnering with grassroot groups that are delivering positive outcomes in our community.

“We are proudly committed to keeping our communities healthy through the essential services we provide and every year we support community groups who share this same passion,” Ms Gee said.

Last year, 13 community groups across the Moreton Bay, Noosa and Sunshine Coast regions were awarded a total of $55,000 in Unitywater community grants.

Reset Support Service, a 2020 community grant recipient, works with male perpetrators of domestic and family violence in Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast.

Executive Director Renee Welsh said the added stresses and impacts of COVID-19 in the past year has led to an increase in domestic and family violence but also an increase in men reaching out for support and past clients re-engaged.

Ms Welsh said the grant provided a full 10-week program with follow-up support and individual counselling.

“Prior to The Change Begins with Change program, 32 clients had a combined 103 domestic and family violence incidences. Since completion we have just had one incident and one breach according to Queensland Police Service who continue to support the work we do,” Ms Welsh said.

Ms Gee said successful groups will directly benefit the Moreton Bay, Noosa and Sunshine Coast communities.

“We asked our customers what was important to them and from that feedback the grants focus on homelessness, prevention of domestic and family violence, mental health, children and youth, and the environment, in particular the prevention of single-use plastic,” Ms Gee said.

Applications close Tuesday 31 August 2021. To apply or for more information about the program, visit unitywater.com/community-grants