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Support for women’s health, youth wellbeing, disability inclusion, and mental health awareness will be strengthened through North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation’s (NQBP’s) 2025–26 Community Fund.
Thirteen (13) community organisations will share $100,000 in funding to deliver programs and projects that enhance wellbeing, participation, and access across NQBP’s port communities.
NQBP Chief Executive Officer Brendan Webb congratulated the thirteen (13) Community Fund recipients.
“This year’s recipients reflect the diversity of community needs and ideas across the region, from women’s health and youth programs to inclusive sport, arts, and cultural initiatives,” Mr Webb said.
“We received more than 70 applications, the largest Community Fund response yet, from a wide range of community groups across all our port communities. This marks a 30 percent increase from last year and is the highest number of applications received since we began the program,” he said.
“I’m proud to see so many projects focused on creating real outcomes for local people.”
“I would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this year’s Community Fund, we appreciate the effort put into every application and encourage community groups to keep applying in future rounds.”
As a successful applicant, Engedi Physiotherapist Helen Robinson said the support will boost their ongoing beach access work with U-Beach.
“Engedi has supported people with disability in our region for more than forty years,” Ms Robinson said.
“This sponsorship helps us continue our work with U-Beach to improve access at local beaches so everyone can enjoy time by the water,” she said.
“It means we can invest in pathways, beach wheelchairs and other mobility equipment that remove barriers for people with mobility challenges. More families, seniors and people with disability will be able to visit the beach together.
“For our team, this backing strengthens the work we do with volunteers and community groups to run regular beach days and build a more inclusive experience across the region.
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 2025-26 Community Fund recipients is below:
NQBP is a Queensland Government-owned corporation responsible for the ports of Hay Point, Mackay, Abbot Point, and Weipa in far north Queensland.
| Recipient | Initiative |
|---|---|
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Mackay | Purchase of iron infusion equipment, including an infusion chair. The equipment will support the antenatal clinic, where many pregnant women need iron infusions for anaemia. |
| Rotary Club of Mackay | Domestic and Family Violence Prevention program delivering region-wide education and awareness through school sessions, community events, media campaigns, and the Respect in Every Step march. |
| Crossroad Arts Inc | 2026 Crossroad Arts Loose Ends event. Held as part of International Day for People with Disability (3 Dec 2026), this inclusive evening brings together the Strictly Wheelchair Dance Group, With One Voice Choir, Choir of Unheard Voices, Groove Movers, live painters, poets and Crossroad Arts performers, giving local groups a chance to celebrate diversity, access and inclusion. |
| The Friends of the MECC | The 2026 Pathways to Performance program removes financial barriers for schools to attend live arts experiences at the MECC. |
| Mackay Triathlon Club | A six-week women’s training program supporting participation in the 2026 Women’s Only Triathlon through coached sessions and inclusive activities. |
| Girudala Community Co-operative Society | An eight-week youth wellbeing program in Bowen called VIBE CHECK featuring culturally safe activities to support mental health and resilience. |
| Mackay Women’s Services | Installation of signage at Mackay Women’s Services to improve visibility and access for those seeking support. |
| Grapevine Group Association Inc | Major sponsor for the 2025 'Be Suicide Alert This Christmas' campaign promoting awareness of suicide warning signs. |
| Engedi | Promoting universal beach access through community-led U-BEACH open days. The program provides beach mats, wheelchairs, and volunteers to help people of all ages and abilities safely enjoy local beaches. |
| Weipa Running Festival | 2026 Weipa Running Festival. The Weipa Running Festival is an annual, community-focused event that encourages health, fitness and connection while helping to raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service Mental Health and Wellbeing team in Cape York. |
| Kidney Support Network | Replace outdated computers to maintain volunteer transport and Op Shop services for kidney patients. |
| Sarina State High School | Sarina State High School Yarning Circle will give students a culturally safe space to share experiences, build connections and support their wellbeing. Helping to strengthen understanding of First Nations culture and increase inclusion, empathy and engagement across the school community. |
| MADEC | Creation of a sensory garden at John E. Respite Home to support people with disability and mental health needs. |
Download | Recipients of NQBP's 2025-26 Community Fund were announced at last night's NQBP End of Year event.
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation contact:
Ange Julian | Community Relationship Advisor
07 4969 0741 | ajulian@nqbp.com.au
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