Canon supports grassroots groups to inspire a better future through its inaugural Grants Program
26th September 2017
25 September, 2017: Canon Australia has today announced the winners of its inaugural Grants Program, Inspiring Tomorrow, revealing four impactful projects from WA, VIC, TAS and SA that will contribute to a better tomorrow across Australia’s environment, education and community.
Across the Oceania region, Canon has awarded over $30,000* worth of grants comprising of Canon equipment in-kind to projects that aim to see Aboriginal women standing strong, secondary students restoring and monitoring wildlife, businesses and consumers reducing the impact of plastic straws in the environment, and a diverse youth group exploring creative expression.
In previous years, winners’ projects have helped to improve oceanic health and educate children on sustainability practices. Living Ocean, last year’s environmental winner, put the grant towards cameras that better helped them document whale migration and beach clean-ups. While education winner, Helensvale State High School, utilised time-lapse photography to monitor predator insects that prey on seasonal food crops, encouraging students to think about how the agriculture business impacts on sustainability.
This year’s grant recipients were selected based on the positive impact their project will have on society or the environment, as well as the impact Canon’s range of products will have in bringing each project to life. Due to the overwhelming amount of organisations trying to make a positive difference, in addition to the grants, Canon also awarded five highly-commended entries an AUD 300 voucher to spend on any Canon equipment of their choice, to help support and document their community initiatives.
The winning projects across Australia include:
Winners ($5,000 grant)
COMMUNITY: Camera Story (WA) – Camera Story is undertaking a photographic project titled Women Standing Strong that will see young Aboriginal women turn the focus on themselves as they explore identity, cultural narratives and femininity through the camera lens. SCHOOL: Bayswater Secondary College (VIC) – Students will restore a frog pond, gardens and local creek with native plants and bird boxes to attract wildlife. A STEM Digital Photography Elective Program will be introduced to inspire students to learn the skills of high resolution nature macro-photography, wildlife-photography and astro-photography. ENVIRONMENTAL: The Last Straw (TAS) – The Last Straw is a campaign to end the use of plastic straws in hospitality venues around Australia. The Last Straw aims to tackle the issue from both sides, encouraging consumers to use less plastic straws while encouraging businesses to give out less straws through staff training and alternative options to straws.
Runner Up ($1,000 grant)
COMMUNITY: Riverland Youth Theatre (SA) – This organisation connects youth with the opportunity to develop their creative expression using performing arts. Set in Motion: Nunga Rhythms is a project being undertaken by young indigenous performers, photographers and a crew aged 12-26 years.
"This year we expanded our Environmental Grants program to encompass broader community and social categories. We received more applications than ever before and are in awe of the remarkable work Australians are undertaking to help their communities for the benefit of future generations. Canon is proud to be able to support these initiatives and provide schools and communities with the tools they need to further enhance their projects.
Kyosei, which translates to ‘working together for the common good’ is our corporate philosophy and we feel this Program encapsulates this premise perfectly. We’re excited to see how the grants will be used to support these projects that are making an incredible difference.”
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