NQBP invests $100,000 in community projects across port regions
- NQBP will provide $100,000 in funding to thirteen (13) community organisations through the 2026–27 Community Fund.
- This year’s funded projects include initiatives focused on youth engagement, mental health awareness, accessibility, environmental education and community participation.
- Over the past decade NQBP has delivered more than $1 million in funding to local organisations across its port communities in Mackay, Hay Point, Abbot Point (Bowen) and Weipa.
From youth mentoring and suicide prevention training to inclusive arts events and environmental education, thirteen (13) community initiatives across regional Queensland will receive support through North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation’s (NQBP’s) 2026–27 Community Fund.
The annual program will deliver $100,000 in funding to local organisations across NQBP’s port communities, supporting projects that improve accessibility, strengthen social connection and deliver practical community outcomes.
NQBP Chief Executive Officer Brendan Webb said this year’s successful projects reflected 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,” Mr Webb said.
“This year’s recipients include projects focused on youth engagement, mental health h awareness, cultural connection, accessibility and environmental education.”
This year’s program attracted eighty-four (84) applications, the strongest response since the Community Fund was established.
Mr Webb said the growing interest in the program highlighted 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 said.
“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 said the funding would 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 said.
“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.
A full list of the 2026–27 Community Fund recipients is below:
Recipient | Initiative |
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. |
NQBP is a Queensland Government-owned corporation responsible for the ports of Hay Point, Mackay, Abbot Point, and Weipa in far north Queensland.
Image for download
Image | Thirteen (13) community organisations across Mackay, Hay Point, Bowen and Weipa have been announced as the 2026-27 NQBP Community Fund recipients.
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation contact:
Ange Julian | Community Relationship Advisor
07 4969 0741 | ajulian@nqbp.com.au
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