Longwood Community Centre president Tom Brodie with secretary Rebecca Threlfall.
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Longwood’s community centre will receive upgrades to improve its emergency response capability thanks to Goulburn Valley Water’s 2025-26 Community Rebate Program.
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The program is part of Goulburn Valley Water’s Guaranteed Service Level commitment, which provide rebates to customers when service standards are not met.
Eleven community groups in the townships of Longwood, Murchison and Kilmore will receive $32,000 through the program.
GVW general manager customers and growth Jonno Bellette said the program ensured communities directly benefited when service expectations fell short.
“This program recognises that when we don’t meet the standards our customers expect, we have a responsibility to give back in a way that creates meaningful, long-term outcomes for those affected,” he said.
“As part of our current price plan, rebates are triggered if we don’t contain a sewer spill caused by our system within five hours or if a boil water notice is issued due to a fault.
“The Community Rebate Program allows us to reinvest those funds into initiatives that strengthen communities.”
GVW’s Community Rebate Program will improve Longwood’s community centre.
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Mr Bellette said the projects reflected strong community insight and initiative.
“These projects demonstrate the important role local groups play in supporting their communities, particularly during challenging times,” he said.
“We are proud to support initiatives that not only respond to past events but help build stronger, more resilient towns into the future.”
There were three GSL breaches that initiated the 2025-26 program, with community groups invited to apply through a targeted process supported by GVW’s Communications and Engagement team.
Applications were assessed against criteria including community wellbeing, resilience, water awareness, emergency preparedness and support for vulnerable groups.
In Longwood, the community centre will install a dedicated drinking water tank and associated infrastructure to improve emergency response capability following challenges experienced during recent bushfires when the town water supply was lost.
The Community Rebate Program forms part of GVW’s broader commitment to accountability, transparency and community partnership.
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