What’s happening?
Applications are now open for Queensland Country Bank’s 2026-27 Good for Good Community Grants, with Mackay organisations encouraged to apply for local project funding.
The grants are open to community groups, charities, sporting clubs and not-for-profit organisations across Queensland. Funding is available for projects that improve community life across areas such as sport, health, education, the environment, culture and community wellbeing.
In Mackay, the program has already backed a practical access project through Mackay Surf Life Saving Club. The club installed accessible beach matting to help people with mobility challenges reach the beach more safely and easily.
The latest grant round gives more local organisations the chance to seek funding for projects that respond to community needs. Groups can view eligibility criteria and apply at queenslandcountry.bank/goodforgood.
Why it matters?
For many community organisations, the idea is already there, but the funding can be the missing piece. A local facility upgrade, health program, school project or access improvement can make a clear difference when it receives the right backing.
Queensland Country Bank said the grants reflect its customer-owned model, where profits are reinvested into members, services and communities across the state.
CEO Aaron Newman said the program was about backing people who are already working hard for others.
“Every community has passionate people working hard to make life better for others, and often all they need is a helping hand to turn a great idea into reality,” Mr Newman said.
“Our Good for Good Community Grants are about backing those people and those projects. Whether it’s upgrading community facilities, supporting health and wellbeing, improving access and inclusion, investing in young people or protecting the environment, we’re proud to help communities thrive.”
Local Impact
The Mackay Surf Life Saving Club project shows how a grant can turn a simple community need into a lasting local improvement.
By installing accessible beach matting, the club helped reduce barriers for people with mobility challenges. It also made the beach more welcoming for families, visitors and residents who may find sand difficult to cross.
The new round creates another opening to fund projects with direct local value. That could include facility upgrades, youth programs, health and wellbeing work, environmental projects, or initiatives that improve access and inclusion.
The program’s past work in Mackay also gives local applicants a clear example of the kind of practical, community-focused project the grants can help bring to life.
By The Numbers
- Queensland Country Bank has invested more than $3.27 million through the Good for Good Community Grants program since it began.
- Over 20 years, the program has awarded 682 grants across Queensland communities, from South East Queensland to Cape York and the North West.
- In 2025-26, the bank funded 16 community grants worth more than $220,000, the program’s highest annual total.
Zoom In
Mr Newman said the grants were one of the bank’s clearest ways to give back to Queensland communities.
“As a customer-owned bank, our profits are reinvested back into products and services for our Members and communities. These grants are one of the most tangible ways we can give back and create lasting local impact across Queensland.”
In 2025-26, the grants supported projects across Sport and Recreation, Health, Education, Environment, and Arts, Culture and Heritage.
Those projects included grassroots sporting upgrades, school support, cultural facilities, disability access, environmental work, health services and volunteer-led initiatives.
Zoom Out
Across Queensland, the Good for Good Community Grants have supported organisations in more than two dozen communities.
In Brisbane, Aboriginal and Islander Independent Community School established a student coffee cart to create hands-on learning and employment opportunities. In Ipswich, Days for Girls Ipswich produced reusable menstrual hygiene kits for women and girls experiencing disadvantage.
On the Sunshine Coast, Maleny & District Men’s Shed completed the fit-out of a second workshop to support growing community participation and wellbeing. In Townsville, Fuel for Schools purchased a delivery vehicle to transport food supplies to schools experiencing food insecurity.
Also in Townsville, Sri Siddhi Vinayak Cultural Centre upgraded its facilities to create a welcoming hub celebrating Indian culture, traditions and community connection. In Stanthorpe, the local cricket association upgraded covers for two turf pitches and bought equipment to remove excess water from the pitches.
In Cairns, COUCH Wellness Centre delivered workshops for people living with cancer and their families. In Mount Isa, Australian Football League volunteers upgraded canteen facilities to encourage stronger participation in local sport.
In Weipa, Pebbles Playgroup purchased new playground equipment to create engaging outdoor learning opportunities for young families.
What To Look For Next?
The open grant round may help more community ideas move from planning to delivery.
Local organisations with projects linked to access, sport, health, education, culture or the environment can now review the criteria and prepare applications.
Future funded projects could follow Mackay’s beach matting example, where a local grant helped make a public space easier for more people to use.
Applications for the 2026-27 Queensland Country Bank Good for Good Community Grants are open now.
