Wollar Solar Farm (WSF) is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from residents of the Mid-Western Region LGA to join the WSF Community Fund Community Reference Group (CRG).

The role of the CRG will be to review and provide feedback on applications received under the WSF Community Fund, which will operate for the life of the solar farm. The Community Fund will support local projects and initiatives that benefit communities within a 50km radius of WSF.

The CRG plays an important role in ensuring that Community Fund grants reflect the values and priorities of the local community. The CRG will review applications received under the Community Fund, provide feedback and recommendations on those applications, and help ensure that funding decisions are well-informed and community-centred.

The CRG will consist of up to five (5) community members and two (2) WSF representatives. WSF is committed to forming a CRG that reflects the diversity of the Mid-Western Region community, including in terms of geography within the LGA, gender, age, cultural background, sector experience and community perspective. Applications are welcomed from all residents, including First Nations community members, young people, and those with experience in community organisations or local services.

It is anticipated that at least one Community Fund round and a CRG review meeting will be held before the end of 2026. From 2027, two funding rounds will be held during the year, with respective CRG meetings to be held at least twice during the year (and each subsequent year) in order to review applications.

Should there be insufficient suitable applications to form a CRG, WSF will manage the Community Fund through an internal assessment committee, comprising of WSF representatives.

To be eligible to apply, you must:

  • Be a resident of the Mid-Western Region Local Government Area
  • Be 16 years of age or older
  • Be willing and able to attend CRG meetings at least twice per calendar year
  • Be willing to agree to the CRG Terms of Reference if selected

You are not eligible to apply if you:

  • Are a current employee or contractor of Wollar Solar Farm or any related entity
  • Are an immediate family member of a current WSF employee or contractor
  • Have a direct financial interest in WSF or any related entity

Conflicts of interest

CRG members are not required to be neutral on all matters — lived experience and community connections are valued. However, members must declare any conflict of interest (actual or perceived) in relation to specific grant applications, and must not participate in deliberations or recommendations on those applications. The CRG Terms of Reference sets out how conflicts of interest are managed.

Selection Process

A committee of WSF representatives will review all EOI applications received for eligibility and suitability to join the CRG against the below criteria:

  • Connection to the Mid-Western Region community — your local knowledge, relationships and understanding of community priorities
  • Relevant knowledge or skills — for example, experience in community organisations, grant assessment, project management, local government, health, environment, agriculture, education, or business
  • Capacity to commit — your ability to attend meetings and prepare for them within the time required
  • Diversity of representation — WSF will aim to form a CRG that reflects a diverse range of community backgrounds, experiences and perspectives
  • Prior relevant experience — any previous involvement in community reference groups, consultative committees or similar bodies is welcome but not required

While we have now formed our inaugural CRG, we welcome expressions of interest at any time. These will be held on file until such time as the CRG is undergoing review. You will be contacted if your application is being considered for the CRG.

Further information can be found in the CRG Terms of Reference document. Should you have any questions about the CRG or the EOI process, please contact us on 1800 700 743.

Please complete the form below, or click here for a printable version. Please send completed applications to info@wollarsolar.com.au or by post to Level 21, 1 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

Please note: Should you be selected to become a member of the CRG, you will be required to agree to the Terms of Reference, including fulfilling member duties and meeting attendance at least twice per calendar year (in person or virtual). All information provided will be kept confidential and will only be used for the purposes of forming a CRG.

By submitting this application, you declare that:

  • The information provided in this application is true and correct to the best of your knowledge.
  • You understand that providing false or misleading information may result in my application being disqualified or my membership being revoked.
  • You consent to WSF collecting, storing and using the personal information provided in this form for the purposes of assessing your application and, if selected, administering your CRG membership.
  • You understand that your personal information will be kept confidential and will not be shared with third parties except as required to manage the CRG process.
  • You understand that submitting this EOI does not guarantee selection as a CRG member.