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Communities of interest

South32 is committed to creating shared value and making a positive contribution to the quality of life of the communities, regions and countries where we operate. South32 Illawarra Metallurgical Coal’s Dendrobium Community Enhancement Program (DCEP) is committed to making contributions towards the sustainable development of the local area surrounding South32 Illawarra Metallurgical Coal’s Dendrobium Operations. The DCEP is administered by a committee of members from the local community and South32, with an independent Chairperson serving as the chair.

Applications will only be considered for projects that are implemented within the local area covered by the DCEP, which includes: Kembla Heights, Unanderra, Mount Kembla, Cordeaux Heights and Figtree.


Focus areas

The DCEP aims to support projects, activities or opportunities that provide lasting community benefit in the following areas:

  • Sustainability – continued project life after funding
  • Partnerships – community ownership of projects and joint funding
  • Innovation – projects that meet the needs of the community and are not otherwise funded
  • Broad community benefit and application


    • Assessment criteria

    The DCEP Board will assess grant applications based on how well the activity will:

  • Address area/s of need in the community
  • Leave a lasting impact on the community
  • Incorporate community participation and support
  • Complements other activities in the community
  • Provides a significant present and future benefit to the local area
  • Enhances the cultural, physical and/or the living environment in the local area


    • Eligibility

    Applications will not be considered for:

  • Individuals
  • Fundraising / religious / political purposes
  • Commercial or advertising requests
  • Activities that conflict with South32’s corporate values or Code of Business Conduct (Code of Business Conduct (south32.net).
  • Projects / activities where our previous monetary and/or in-kind support did not (in our view) deliver on the intended purpose, including our requirements and expected impact(s).

    • Due to the high number of applications we receive, meeting these guidelines does not guarantee our support. DCEP retains absolute discretion over the community projects or activities we support. Applicants should not act in expectation of receiving our support, until a final decision is made.

    Applications to the DCEP will be received only via Smarty Grant.

    Click here to submit a Smarty Grant application. open in new window