Cultura wins $75,000 Adroit Golf Day Capital Grant for Renewed Connection project

The 2025 Adroit Golf Day Capital Grant Staff Vote Night, held at Sawyer’s Arms Tavern, was a true celebration of collective giving, community and purpose.

Hosted by CEO Amy Waters and Adroit Insurance & Risk’s Geelong Operations Manager, Josie Nadile, the event featured three inspiring organisations — Cultura, Common Ground Project and The Good Neighbourhood Project – each pitching innovative ideas to benefit the Geelong community.

Down to the wire – and everyone a winner

Each organisation delivered an outstanding pitch, making the decision incredibly close. Right until the last votes were counted, it could have gone either way.

What made the night even more memorable was the sense of unity among the finalists. There was a genuine feeling in the room that “if one of us wins, we all win.” It was a reminder of the collaborative and supportive spirit that defines Geelong’s not-for-profit sector. At the end of the day, Geelong wins – and that is what matters most.

Cultura’s Renewed Connection project

In the end, Cultura, represented by CEO Joy Leggo and Corrie Inei, Manager Skills Pathways, Employment Support & Youth Initiatives, was awarded the $75,000 grant for their Renewed Connection project. This initiative will upgrade outdated IT and AV equipment at Cultura’s Northern Hub, transforming an underutilised space into a vibrant, modern computer lab.

The new lab will unlock opportunities in digital literacy, English literacy, education and employment for refugee and multicultural communities who now call Geelong home.

Their pitch was brought to life by Salma, a local Geelong resident from Afghanistan, who shared how challenging it was to pursue her education without access to IT. Her moving story offered a glimpse into the barriers faced by the 300 to 400 people welcomed to Geelong each year through Australia’s humanitarian program, and the opportunities that support like this can create. Her joy when Cultura was announced as the winner captured the emotion of the night.

Celebrating all finalists

Alongside Cultura’s moving pitch, Imogen Thomas (CEO of Common Ground Project) shared her organisation’s vision for sustainable community food systems. Simon Reeves (The Good Neighbourhood), joined by Kaylene Reeves, spoke passionately about creating stronger, more connected neighbourhoods.

Each of these organisations left a lasting impression, demonstrating the depth of innovation, compassion and commitment within Geelong’s community sector.

Powered by partnership

This grant is made possible through the extraordinary commitment of Adroit Insurance & Risk. Since establishing their Named Sub Fund with the Foundation in 2006, Adroit has raised more than $2 million for local causes, supported by countless volunteer hours from their team. Their dedication to giving back ensures a lasting impact across our region for generations to come.

A shared win for Geelong

The 2025 Pitch & Vote Night was more than just a grant presentation. It was a reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared vision: building a connected, fair and thriving Geelong.

Adroit’s Leadership in Collective Giving

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Adroit Insurance & Risk and their staff for their generosity and vision. Their commitment to community and leadership of the Adroit Golf Day Capital Grant, is a powerful example of how businesses can work collectively to create meaningful impact.

We welcome conversations with other organisations interested in exploring corporate collective giving as a way to strengthen Geelong’s future.