Two decades of making a difference

Trust grants driven by the community, for the community. Community leaders, grant recipients, and volunteers celebrated 20 years that has seen the Veolia Mulwaree Trust distribute $15.7 million to 2,200 recipients across the Goulburn Mulwaree region. 

Veolia ANZ CEO and Managing Director Richard Kirkman joined the community at Goulburn’s Grace Milsom Centre to celebrate 20 years of giving by the Veolia Mulwaree Trust. The room was filled with community leaders, grant recipients, volunteers, and the trustees that have shaped it over that time.

Over two decades the Trust has delivered $15.7 million in funding across 2200 recipients, which has helped maintain a rich tapestry of community groups and volunteer organisations in the region.

Kirkman, who was coincidentally celebrating his 30th anniversary with Veolia on the same day, said the Veolia Mulwaree Trust was a deep source of pride for the company. He acknowledged the incredible work of the people that made it possible, making special mention of, and giving a gift to, Trustee John Reynolds  who has been with it from the start.

“John has been to over 70 meetings and has been party to giving out more than $15 million that has gone to playgrounds, schools, gyms, sheds, medical scholarships, art groups and more,” Kirkman said.

“Over the 20 years, this Trust has done amazing things because of the extraordinary and committed people in this room like John ― the 16 trustees, the mayors, and the people at Veolia past and present. All have made personal sacrifices and led with a community first mindset that has enriched this community and I expect will for 20 years more.”

In true Trust style, the 20th year celebration wasn't just about looking back. More grants were announced on the day, including solar installations, sensory gardens,a community hall kitchen, and school facilities. Those grants are quite a contrast from the early days, when requests came for a surprising number of toilet blocks, according to Veolia Mulwaree Trust Chair Justin Houghton.

“Initially, I think the community felt these grants were too good to be true. When it all started we began  receiving requests to fund men’s sheds and toilet block, after toilet block, after toilet block ―  not glamorous ― but very important as I am appreciating more and more as I get older,” Houghton said to laughs during his speech.

“Then the flood gates opened and we progressed to women’s sheds, school playgrounds, tennis courts and hall renovations and in between all this were dozens of requests for defibrillators. We are passionate about getting defibrillators all around in an area where we can be miles from emergency services. These things save lives.”

Houghton paid tribute to founders Collex CEO Doug Dean and former Mayor of Mulwaree Shire Paul Stephenson, who set the tone for how the Trust’s funds would be distributed. They wanted to fund things that made a lasting difference. The line they used was, “it has to be something you can kick”.

And as Kirkman noted in his speech, that approach has been the driving force behind the Trust and has ensured its positive impact has been felt throughout the region.

“The scale of the Trust is unmatched in this region and we are proud of everything we can do for the local community. Often it’s too easy to see a big company as a faceless corporate but the reality is that the 80 people who work at Woodlawn Eco Precinct live here and are all caring members of this community. Their work helps fund the Trust and is a reminder of this,” Kirkman said.

“One thing that is especially clear is that the Veolia Mulwaree Trust hasn't just funded projects ― it's helped build stronger, more resilient communities across this region, as the founders would say, one 'kickable' project at a time.”