Updating technology was a priority for a number of groups, with the Ararat Musical Comedy Society purchasing wireless microphones to use during performances, Pinnacle providing young people the opportunity to use smart tablets at their facilities, and Ararat Neighbourhood House receiving laptops for education and training purposes.

Pacific Hydro executive general manager for Australia, Lane Crockett, said he was pleased to see a wide range of projects successful in this year's funding round.

"The fund supports projects and programs in five key areas - health and welfare, education and training, sport and recreation, the environment, and the arts," Mr Crockett said.

"In Ararat Rural City this year, we have at least one project funded in each area, which is fantastic to see."

A Fund Allocation Panel is responsible for assessing and allocating funding, and consists of community members, Council representatives and Pacific Hydro staff. The Panel has been established to further community involvement in the fund distribution process, and ensure that community priorities are met.

"This year's Fund Allocation Panel decided to wholly fund as many projects as possible," Mr Crockett said.

"We hope that this will assist groups in completing their projects earlier so that the positive outcomes can be seen by the community.

"We congratulate the community groups that received funding and extend our thanks to the Fund Allocation Panel members, which included community members and Pacific Hydro staff, for carefully considering each application and allocating the funds."

All 16 successful groups celebrated at a presentation ceremony at the Ararat Bowling Club.

The Ararat Sustainable Communities Fund supports environmental, health, sporting, cultural and educational projects and will open again in August 2015.

More information regarding the Fund can be found on the website, www.pacifichydro.com.au

Ararat Sustainable Communities Fund 2014 - List of successful recipients:

1. Equipment for station and truck - Pomonal Rural Fire Brigade: Satellite navigation units, a small fridge/freezer and digital radio will be used by brigade members to provide assistance when responding to events by volunteer members - $2,792.

2. Event sponsorship - Ararat Live: Ararat Live will hold a number of events hosting quality live music for the community, which will not only provide entertainment, but provide economic benefit to local businesses - $3,000.

3. New chairs - Moyston Hall: Patrons of Moyston Hall can expect more comfortable seating in the coming months, as the committee upgrades their plastic stackable chairs and benches to padded seating - $3,245.

4. Hose winders - Warrak Rural Fire Brigade: Volunteers will no longer have to strain to manually wind up hoses both on the ground and at the new fire shed through the purchase of two new hose winders - $940.

5. Toilet facility upgrade - Ararat Bowling Club: Men's facilities at the Club will be upgraded to be more accessible for all patrons - $7,000.

6. Generator - Ararat and District Aeromodellers Club: This expanding club will benefit from a power source that will assist in the efficient running of the club's training programs and activities - $949.

7. Toilet facility upgrade - 2nd Ararat Scouts: Upgrades will be made to the outdoor toilet facilities at the Scout Hall, including installing new beams and gutters - $1,115.

8. Wireless microphones - Ararat Musical Comedy Society: Due to imminent changes to frequency channels, a set of personal wireless microphones will be replaced and will be used during the Society's performances - $5,000.

9. Smart tablets - Pinacle Inc: Youths who frequent Pinnacle's IT Centre will benefit from ten smart tablets, which will be used during skills and development training activities - $3,440.

10. Wood thicknesser - Ararat and District Woodies Club: Health and safety is a priority at the Woodies Club, so the 30 year old wood thicknesser will be replaced with an updated version, ensuring OH&S protocols are met and allowing for a broader scope of work to be undertaken - $2,000

11. Club upgrade - Ararat Pony Club: The Pony Club will undergo a number of upgrades as part of its continued commitment to providing a high quality club. This will include recarpeting of club rooms, the purchase of a new jump, and putting sand on the arenas - $5,565.

12. Sport and first aid equipment - Ararat Redbacks: All teams will receive their own basketball and game board, as well as a first aid pack, which will be used during both home and away games - $1,950.

13. Music equipment - Ararat City Band: Members will now have the opportunity to learn the flugelhorn, as well as benefit from a set of new music stands to accommodate this ever-growing group - $4,000.

14. Emu Park Community barbecue - Rotary Club of Ararat: The Rotary Club has almost finished the community barbecue on the south side of town, with the funding to assist in connecting electricity to the site - $4,200.

15. Concertina doors - Warrak Public Hall: To assist in energy conservation, concertina doors will be installed at the hall, allowing only a portion of it to be used (and heated) as it is required - $2,752.

16. Laptops - Ararat Neighbourhood House: Locals participating in the Positive Community program will have the opportunity to use one of ten new laptops at the Ararat Neighbourhood House - $2,000.

More pictures - See page 34.