Transurban has launched its annual Community Grants program, offering up to $10,000 to local organisations across Greater Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, with a new emphasis on Indigenous-led initiatives and community participation through a People’s Choice Award.
Transurban has officially opened applications for its annual Community Grants program, inviting local organisations to submit projects aimed at fostering safer, more inclusive, and sustainable communities across Greater Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. The funding initiative supports a diverse range of projects focusing on road safety, financial inclusion, environmental sustainability, STEM education, and First Nations-led efforts, reflecting Transurban’s commitment to backing initiatives that directly benefit neighbourhoods adjacent to its road networks.
Gabby Sundstrum, Transurban’s Director of Social Licence, emphasised that local organisations are best placed to understand and address the specific needs of their communities. She encouraged eligible groups to apply, noting that the program represents a crucial way for Transurban to support impactful work already underway. Sundstrum highlighted the program’s broad scope, which accommodates initiatives of all sizes—from small-scale local projects to larger, more expansive programs.
The grants provide up to $10,000 for grassroots community initiatives, with an explicit aim to promote inclusion, diversity of thought, and innovation. Eligible applicants must be registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and operate within designated Local Government Areas near Transurban’s roads. Applications for funding remain open until 30 September 2025, offering ample time for organisations to prepare and submit proposals.
A distinctive feature of the program is the inclusion of dedicated support for First Nations organisations. At least one grant in each eligible state is reserved specifically for initiatives led by or benefiting First Nations communities. This approach underscores Transurban’s acknowledgement of the importance of indigenous leadership and perspectives in community development and sustainability efforts.
In addition to the grants themselves, the program features a People’s Choice Award, enabling local communities to actively engage in the selection process by voting for their preferred projects. This element allows the public to champion initiatives that resonate most strongly with them, fostering a greater sense of community participation and ownership. Gabby Sundstrum described the People’s Choice Award as a channel for amplifying community voices, further linking Transurban’s funding support to local priorities.
Industry data shows that Transurban’s investment in community grants aligns with its broader corporate social responsibility goals, which include improving social and financial resilience, enhancing environmental outcomes, and expanding equitable access to education and job opportunities, especially in STEM fields. The program’s focus areas mirror these priorities, aiming to generate tangible benefits for communities directly impacted by Transurban’s infrastructure.
Applicants are advised to review the specific grant requirements and eligibility guidelines carefully before applying to ensure their proposals meet the program criteria. The announcement of successful recipients is typically made towards the end of the year, following thorough assessment and community voting processes.
By fostering a wide spectrum of community-centred projects and supporting grassroots initiatives, Transurban’s Community Grants program plays a significant role in driving local change, backing community resilience, and promoting sustainability efforts adjacent to its roadways.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is current, dated 9 September 2025, and pertains to the opening of Transurban’s 2025 Community Grants Program. The earliest known publication date of similar content is 9 September 2025, indicating no prior coverage. The narrative is not republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks. It is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. There are no discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes compared to earlier versions. The content includes updated data and is not recycled from older material. No similar content has appeared more than 7 days earlier. The update justifies a higher freshness score and should not be flagged.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quote from Gabby Sundstrum, Transurban’s Director of Social Licence, is unique to this narrative. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating potentially original or exclusive content. There are no variations in the wording of the quote.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from Mirage News, which republishes press releases from various organisations. While this is a reputable organisation, the reliance on a press release introduces some uncertainty regarding the originality of the content. Transurban’s official website also provides information about their community grants program, supporting the reliability of the information. ([transurban.com](https://www.transurban.com/communities/community-grants?utm_source=openai))
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims about Transurban’s Community Grants Program are plausible and align with the company’s known initiatives. The program’s focus areas—road safety, financial inclusion, environmental sustainability, STEM education, and First Nations-led initiatives—are consistent with Transurban’s corporate social responsibility goals. The application deadline of 30 September 2025 is reasonable and provides ample time for organisations to prepare and submit proposals. The inclusion of a People’s Choice Award, allowing public voting in late October, is a plausible and engaging feature. There are no inconsistencies in language or tone, and the structure is focused on the grant program without excessive or off-topic detail. The tone is formal and consistent with corporate communications.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is current, with no prior coverage, and is based on a press release from Transurban, which is a reputable organisation. The direct quote from Gabby Sundstrum is unique to this narrative, indicating potentially original content. The claims about the Community Grants Program are plausible and align with Transurban’s known initiatives. There are no discrepancies or inconsistencies in the content. Therefore, the overall assessment is a PASS with high confidence.
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