Central Highlands Water delivers boost to Cafs’ Thread Together program

Central Highlands Water (CHW) has donated 100% of funds raised through the sale of Choose Tap reusable stainless-steel bottles to its Community Water Bottle Partner, Child and Family Services Ballarat (Cafs).

Today, CHW General Manager, Our People, Customer & Corporate Services, Philippa O’Sullivan, met Cafs’ Chief Executive Officer, Wendy Sturgess, at the Thread Together hub to present the donation of $12,500. The donation was raised through water bottle sales at the 2026 Ballarat Begonia Festival.

“Partnering with Cafs allows us to make a real difference in our service region by supporting the Thread Together program, which provides new clothing to those who need it most. We’re grateful to everyone who visited us at the Begonia Festival and purchased a CHW reusable water bottle to contribute to this valuable program,” Ms O’Sullivan said.

“Our water bottle partnership reflects our commitment to creating a more sustainable future while strengthening our community, with 100% of the money raised through the sale of reusable water bottles going to Thread Together.”

Cafs’ Thread Together program provides brand-new clothing to individuals and families across the Central Highlands region experiencing difficulty. The CHW water bottle donation directly supports the delivery of the program including reaching those outside of the Ballarat area through the Thread Together Mobile Wardrobe.

“Through Thread Together, Cafs ensures people in our community can access new clothing with dignity, respect and choice. As the local organisation managing and delivering the program, support such as Central Highlands Water’s water bottle donation is invaluable in helping us sustain the service and continue to grow our impact across the region,” Ms Sturgess said.

The Community Water Bottle partnership is part of CHW’s community support programs, which provide financial and in-kind assistance to local charities, community and sporting groups and not-for-profits across the Central Highlands region. Through the partnership, CHW aims to minimise single-use water bottle purchases, raise funds for local organisations that serve the region, promote safe drinking water and build important community partnerships.

CHW’s Choose Tap reusable water bottles are available from their Learmonth Road office, and Cafs’ office at 115 Lydiard Street Ballarat Central for $10 each.