Origin and the Cullerin Range Community

Origin employed more than 100 people on site during construction of Cullerin Range Wind Farm, with 25 of these from the local area, providing a strong contribution to the local economy. One person is directly employed at Cullerin and several others are involved in the ongoing operations at different times.

Origin has demonstrated its commitment to the people surrounding the Cullerin Range Wind Farm by creating a new position dedicated to responding to the community’s needs. In June 2010, Kathy Howard commenced her role as Origin’s Regional Stakeholder Advisor.

Kathy works with local government, community groups, schools and other stakeholders to implement community investment initiatives, listen and respond to concerns and queries and is a principal point of contact.

Origin is committed to promoting and assisting the interests of the communities in which it operates. The Origin Community Fund supports the community surrounding Cullerin Range Wind Farm by awarding grants for local projects and organisations. The Origin Community Fund was established in 2009 after Cullerin Range became operational and has begun allocating grants to local groups and organisations within the community surrounding Cullerin Range.

In 2010, Origin’s first grant was awarded to the Upper Lachlan Wood Guild which provided funding for much-needed woodworking equipment. Since then, grants have been awarded by the Community fund to the Gunning District Tennis Association’s kids program “MLC Hot Shots”, the Gunning and District Chamber of Commerce’s historical railway preservation and promotion project and the Gunning Golf Club’s revitalisation ahead of its Open Day and Community Golf Challenge.