Alcoa Australia and the Shire of Harvey have established a long-running community investment partnership via the Alcoa Harvey Sustainability Fund (AHSF) which provides grants to non-profit community organisations within the Shire of Harvey (and the surrounding region) to support sustainable development—social, recreational, environmental and economic.
The Fund is managed by the Shire of Harvey (on behalf of the partnership) and is guided by an Advisory Committee that includes community representatives, and allocates funding in line with the objectives agreed in the Deed of Agreement between parties.
Why the partnership exists
Alcoa’s operations via its WA alumina refinery (the Wagerup Refinery) are in the region affecting the Shire of Harvey (and neighbouring Shires). The company has committed to local community investment as part of its stakeholder and community engagement efforts.
The Shire of Harvey sees value in leveraging this funding to strengthen community infrastructure, enhance recreation, arts/culture, environment and social inclusion so that the region remains vibrant and resilient.
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The fund
Community organisations incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act (or auspiced) and operating in the Shire of Harvey region—focusing on the communities of Harvey, Cookernup, Yarloop, Myalup and Binningup can apply for funding to be used to support community development projects.
The Projects must make a positive contribution to the economic, social, recreational or environmental sustainability of the community.
There are two tiers:
Small Grants for projects with funding requests typically between $5,000 and $49,999.
Major & Forward-Planning Grants for projects above $50,000 in value.
Projects must show long-term benefit to the local community, involve partnerships or community participation, preferably have an environmental or energy-saving component, and demonstrate how many individuals or groups will benefit.
The Fund is overseen via an Advisory Committee which sets objectives, promotes the Fund, reviews applications and makes funding recommendations in line with the Deed of Agreement. Community reps can apply to join.
Grant applications for the 2025 Alcoa Harvey Sustainability Fund are now closed and will reopen in 2026.