SEC supports Natimuk’s gymnasts on the road to recovery

When a fast-moving fire tore through Grass Flat, 30 kilometres west of the SEC Renewable Energy Park – Horsham, in January 2026, it destroyed about 30 buildings, including homes, farms and businesses.

It also badly damaged the Natimuk & District Gymnastic Club – in the tiny town of Natimuk – leaving its 300 local members without somewhere to gather and train.

SEC sought to support the Natimuk community as part of its local engagement. It was proud to contribute $5,000 to help cover the cost of accessing alternative facilities, including in Stawell, Ballarat, Mount Gambier and Warrnambool, while the club house was repaired. The support allowed members to continue their training and remain active while the community recovered.

SEC's contribution followed extensive engagement to best understand the community’s needs and identify where SEC support would have the greatest impact.

Head coach Lynette Morrow, who has managed the club for more than 30 years, says the support helped enable her gymnasts to keep training while maintaining a sense of normality.

“We have so many talented students here who compete at state and national levels,” Lynette said.  “I needed to secure alternative training venues to ensure training can continue, but this has come at a cost to the club and families.”

Horsham Rural City Council’s Fire Recovery Coordinator, Rhonda McNeil, said it was important for young people to maintain their routines following a disaster.

“We often think of the large actions required for recovery: clean up, rebuilding and mental health support services,” Rhonda said.

“Alongside these programs, it is the personal and direct actions that can make significant differences. Research shows that if children are unable to continue their physical activities after a disaster, they’re more likely to disengage and may not return, which is why the support from SEC is so important.

“Supporting clubs like this is vital for both physical and community wellbeing."

SEC also recently launched the SEC Renewable Energy Park – Horsham Community Benefit Fund, which will invest $3 million in local projects, initiatives and services through the fund over the life of the renewable energy project.

This includes $126,000 from now until the end of construction in late 2027, and $100,000 a year for the duration of the project’s operational life, increasing with inflation.

The fund was designed following six weeks of consultation with Horsham community members, who attended in-person and online information sessions and completed surveys via the Engage Victoria consultation hub.

Common themes included a need to support local jobs, skills, and education; youth, accessibility; and community infrastructure upgrades.

Meanwhile, Natimuk & District Gymnastic Club moved back into its club house on 20 July, ready to create new memories, fresh beginnings, and a new chapter of gymnastic success.