NQBP announces 2024-25 Community Fund recipients

28 Nov 2024

Support for the region’s homeless, young Indigenous entrepreneurs, local beach lifesavers, dementia patients, and those living with disabilities will be boosted through North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation’s (NQBP’s) 2024-25 Community Fund.

Fourteen Community Fund recipients will share $100,000 in funding, with each initiative expected to deliver strong benefits across NQBP’s port communities, in what is the most diverse range of recipients in the Fund’s three year history.

NQBP Chief Executive Officer Brendan Webb congratulated the fourteen Community Fund recipients.

“We had more than 50 strong applications in our third year of the Community Fund from a large range of community groups across all of our port communities,” Mr Webb said.

“Our team worked carefully to evaluate each application, and I am proud to say each of our successful applicants demonstrated an ability to make a real difference in their respective communities.

“All the initiatives supported have a strong alignment with NQBP’s values of Care, Connection, Courage and Curiosity.

“I am also pleased that this year due to our increase in funding, we were able to support an additional five community groups, up to fourteen from nine in the previous two years.

“I would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this year’s Community Fund, and we encourage all community groups to consider applying for our next round,” he said.

Crossroads Arts CEO Autumn Skuthorpe was pleased to be a successful applicant.

“Our event, Loose Ends, celebrates the diversity of our community as part of International Day for People with Disability celebrations,” Ms Skuthorpe said.

“The support from NQBP will ensure that Crossroad Arts can provide paid opportunities during Loose Ends for artists with disability, and celebrate arts for all,” she said.

The NQBP Community Fund is open to non-profit groups and organisations, and registered charities, and seeks to support events, programs and activities that align with NQBP’s vision to be a leader in responsible port trade, where Queenslanders thrive for generations.

NQBP has proudly provided more than $1 million in community sponsorships and donations over the last decade.

A full list of the 2024-25 Community Fund recipients is below:

RecipientInitiative
Crossroad Arts IncAn inclusive night-time activity in the Mackay CBD for young people with disability.
Community Accommodation and Support AgencyFood packs to support rough sleepers throughout extended closures of major services, such as over Christmas.
Stella Maris MackayChristmas shoe box/bag appeal to support seafarers at the ports of Mackay, Hay Point and Abbot Point.
Whitsunday Community Services IncPurchase of equipment to expand The Pantry Program that sources donations and food rescue to provide groceries to the public into a dedicated food bank.
Zonta Club of Mackay Inc2025 International Women's Day Lunch.
Bowen Community CentrePram Pusher Group: The group will provide a supportive environment for mothers to connect while engaging in light exercise with their babies.

Cooking Class: This project will bring together older community members and new mums to share and learn budget-friendly recipes.
Mackay Surf Lifesaving ClubConduct an intensive training camp in collaboration with clubs in the wide bay and southeast regions.
Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc (PAYA)A two-day Youth Entrepreneurship Regional Summit (YERS) held in Weipa.
Bowen Historical Society and MuseumConstruction of a wheelchair/disability ramp to access the museum.
Weipa Running Festival2025 Weipa Running Festival.
Bowen Old People's Home Society LimitEstablish a Dementia Café at Murroona Gardens, Bowen.
Bowen Flexi Care IncDigging to Dining project - an all-abilities garden.
Port Denison Sailing ClubReplacing one of the motors on the club’s coaching and safety boat.
Whitsunday STEM Challenge IncWhitsunday Drone Challenge (WDC) as part of the Festival of STEM.

NQBP is a Queensland Government-owned corporation responsible for the ports of Hay Point, Mackay, Abbot Point, and Weipa in far north Queensland.

Images for download

Image 1: Crossroad Arts Inc will receive funding for an inclusive night-time activity in the Mackay CBD for young people with disability.

Image 2: Bowen Historical Society and Museum will receive funding for the construction of a wheelchair/disability ramp to access the museum.

Image 3: Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc (PAYA) will receive funding for a two-day Youth Entrepreneurship Regional Summit (YERS) held in Weipa.

Image 4: Representatives from NQBP 2024-25 Community Fund recipients from Crossroad Arts, Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, Zonta Club of Mackay and Stella Maris Seafarers Centre at last night's stakeholder event.

North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation contact:

Emilie Power | Senior Advisor Community Relationships
07 4969 0773 | epower@nqbp.com.au