Thirteen North Queensland community organisations will share in $100,000 worth of grants from the North Queensland Bulk Ports’ 2026 Community Fund round.
NQBP Chief Executive Officer Brendan Webb says this year’s successful projects reflect the commitment community organisations continue to show across the regions.
“The organisations supported through this year’s Community Fund are delivering projects that respond directly to local needs and create opportunities for people in their communities,” Webb says
“This year’s recipients include projects focused on youth engagement, mental health awareness, cultural connection, accessibility and environmental education.”
This year’s program attracted eighty-four (84) applications, for groups based across the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions.
Mr Webb says the growing interest in the program highlights the important role local organisations play in regional communities.
“We continue to receive high-quality applications from groups delivering meaningful initiatives at a local level,” he says.
“The successful projects will deliver a range of local benefits, from upgraded facilities and equipment to programs supporting wellbeing and inclusion.”
The Neighbourhood Hub General Manager Nicolette Ffrost says their funding will support the organisation’s digital storytelling project across Mackay, Isaac and the Whitsundays.
“This funding will help us continue capturing and sharing stories from communities across the region in a meaningful and lasting way,” Ms Ffrost says.
“Each story contributes to a growing collection of community voices that help strengthen connection and understanding across our regions.”
“The investment in upgraded equipment will support this work well into the future and allow more local stories to be shared.”
The NQBP Community Fund is available to non-profit organisations, registered charities and community groups delivering projects aligned with NQBP’s vision to be a leader in responsible port trade, where Queenslanders thrive for generations.
Over the past decade, NQBP has contributed more than $1 million through community sponsorships and donations.
The full list of the 2026–27 Community Fund recipients is:
- Pioneer Catchment Landcare: Restoration of pedestrian bridges to reopen the Wetland Walkabout trail and support community access and environmental education.
- MARABISDA Inc: Hosting of a regional First Nations business expo to support Indigenous business visibility and networking opportunities.
- Weipa Running Festival: 2027 Weipa Running Festival – 10th annual event. Raising money for local charities.
- Grapevine Group Association Inc: Major sponsor for its annual ‘Be Suicide Alert This Christmas’ campaign promoting awareness of suicide warning signs.
- Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club: Purchase of shared malibu boards to support participation and youth pathways into lifesaving and volunteer patrols.
- Crossroad Arts: Sponsorship of annual LOOSE ENDS Inclusive Arts Event
- Family & Children’s Emerging Support Services: Delivery of a 12-week youth engagement program to reconnect disengaged young people with education and community.
- The Neighbourhood Hub: Voices from the Neighbourhood – expansion and upgrade of digital storytelling capability to capture and share community stories across Mackay, Isaac and the Whitsundays.
- Mackay Yamadi Lera Yumi Meta Assoc Inc: Installation of air conditioning at the Yamadi Community Centre to improve comfort, safety and accessibility for community users.
- The Friends of the MECC: The 2027 Pathways to Performance program removes financial barriers for schools to attend live arts experiences at the MECC.
- Bowen Mudcrabs Rugby Union: Upgrade of shared changeroom amenities through installation of partitioned shower cubicles to improve privacy, safety and access for junior, female and visiting players across multiple sporting clubs.
- Marine Rescue Queensland Bowen: Repair and refurbishment of boat guide rails to support safe and reliable rescue vessel operations in local waters.
- Sarina & District Historical Centre: Upgrade of museum infrastructure to support preservation and presentation of Sarina’s local history collections.