Felton Industries, Australia’s leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of Australian-made premium aluminium outdoor furniture, has announced the winners of the second annual Felton Grant.
The 2024 Felton Grant was open to submissions from educational institutions and sporting organisations nationwide, recognising a commitment to creating positive, lasting impacts within their communities using Felton’s sustainable outdoor seating solutions.
This year, two schools and a sporting organisation have been awarded grants from a total pool of $20,000, including: Isabella State School in Edmonton, Queensland; Footscray North Primary School in Footscray, Victoria; and Kawana Dolphins Rugby League in Buddina, Queensland.
The two winning schools and sports club were selected from nearly 800 entries and awarded based on the creativity and community benefits of their projects. Each winner will receive between $5,000 and $10,000 worth of credit to use on Felton outdoor products tailored to their specific needs, providing long-term, functional improvements to their facilities.
Ms Sarah Simpson, president of the parents and carers association at Isabella State School, said the funding will allow the school to revitalise its tuckshop area with Felton Industries’ jumbo park setting and interactive wheelchair setting, creating a welcoming space for students and the wider community.
“These new seating options will offer a comfortable and inclusive area where teachers can hold class outside of the classroom, where families and friends can gather at school events such as sports days, and that we can use for regular ‘coffee and chat’ sessions with parents enhancing the sense of connection within our school community,” Ms Simpson said.
“The seating will complement our plans to revitalise the tuckshop area, including the addition of a mural, making a real difference in our daily school life.”
Ms Paula Koop, facilities manager at Footscray North Primary School, said the school is grateful to Felton for providing it with the means to enhance the school environment in a meaningful way.
“The Felton Grant will let us purchase new Felton Buddy Benches, providing a designated space for students to connect with others when they are feeling left out or in need of companionship,” she said.
“This initiative supports our goal of promoting inclusivity and mental wellbeing among students and will play a significant role in fostering friendship for those needing additional social support each lunchtime.”
Mr Jon Brienesse, secretary of Kawana Dolphins Rugby League, said the club is as “ecstatic as a Grand Final day win” to receive a new Grandstand from Felton Industries.
“This will provide our parents, partners and friends to support their favourite team.”
Mr Drew Mackinnon, marketing manager at Felton Industries, said the company is proud to support organisations that are making a difference in their communities.
“Felton is committed to providing high-quality, durable outdoor solutions that will enhance the everyday experiences of students, athletes, and community members alike through the Felton Grant,” he said.
The 2024 Felton Grant was open to submissions from 24 July to 29 August. Applicants submitted details of their proposed projects, including how they would use Felton products and the anticipated benefits for their school or community. Each submission was reviewed carefully, with the winners chosen based on the projects’ alignment with community needs and their potential to deliver long-term value.
The 2024 Felton Grant continues Felton Industries’ commitment to supporting organisations that contribute to their communities, particularly in the education and sporting sectors. Felton Industries offers practical solutions that meet diverse operational needs, helping each grant recipient to enhance outdoor experiences for their members.
“Felton is honoured to contribute to these inspiring projects and we look forward to seeing the positive impacts they will bring,” Mr Mackinnon said.
“Felton remains dedicated to offering innovative, sustainable outdoor furniture solutions, and is excited to continue the grant program next year to support even more deserving organisations and communities.”
For more information on the Felton Grant and the products available through Felton Industries, visit www.felton.net.au.
About Felton
Felton Industries is Australia’s leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of Australian made premium aluminium outdoor furniture for schools, parks, councils, clubs and organisations. Felton Industries has been supplying premium aluminium seating solutions for all organisations across Australia for more than 20 years. Its wide product range includes quality, Australian made grandstands, tiered seating, bench seating, tables and chairs, shelters, bin enclosures, and change room furniture to suit every environment.
Felton Industries is ISO9001 accredited and an Approved Local Government Procurement Supplier in New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia.
