What’s happening?
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation is accepting applications for its 2026-27 Community Fund.
The fund is providing support initiatives across NQBP’s port communities of Hay Point, Mackay, Abbot Point in Bowen and Weipa.
The NQBP Community Fund is open to not-for-profit community groups, organisations and registered charities.
It supports events, programs and activities that align with NQBP’s strategic themes, its values of Care, Connection, Courage and Curiosity, and its vision to be a leader in responsible port trade, where Queenslanders thrive for generations.
Applications that respond to an identified community or environmental need, and that promote the principles of diversity and inclusion, are encouraged.
NQBP Chief Executive Officer Brendan Webb said the fund reflects the organisation’s commitment to investing in initiatives that respond to real community needs.
“Our port communities are home to organisations doing important work every day,” Mr Webb said.
“The Community Fund is one way we can help turn good ideas into practical outcomes – supporting initiatives that improve wellbeing, strengthen connections and make our communities more resilient.”
Why it matters?
The fund gives Mackay and Hay Point community groups a chance to seek support for projects that meet local needs.
It also backs initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, including gender diversity and First Nations Peoples.
Previous recipient Debbie Knight, President of Grapevine Group, said the funding helped deliver targeted suicide-prevention awareness initiatives across the region.
“Support from the NQBP Community Fund allowed us to deliver our Be Suicide Alert this Christmas campaign, helping to educate the community about suicide warning signs during a time of increased risk,” Ms Knight said.
“The funding supported radio advertising, billboards and social media, directing people to local support services and resources through the Grapevine Group app.”
“Raising awareness saves lives, and this support helped us reach more people with vital information when it mattered most.”
Local Impact
Mackay-based and nearby groups were among the 2025-26 recipients.
Those groups included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Mackay, Rotary Club of Mackay, Crossroad Arts Inc, The Friends of the MECC, Mackay Triathlon Club, Mackay Women’s Services, Grapevine Group Association Inc and Sarina State High School.
Their funded initiatives covered health care, domestic and family violence awareness, inclusive arts, school access to live performance, women’s sport, suicide-prevention awareness, improved service access and culturally safe student support.
By the numbers
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A total of $100,000 is available through the 2026-27 NQBP Community Fund for eligible projects across its port communities.
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In 2025-26, 13 community organisations shared in $100,000 through the fund.
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Applications for the new funding round will close on Friday, April 17, 2026, and successful applicants will be announced in June.
Zoom in
Several funded projects from the 2025-26 round had a direct Mackay connection.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Mackay received support to purchase iron infusion equipment, including an infusion chair, for its antenatal clinic, where many pregnant women need iron infusions for anaemia.
The Rotary Club of Mackay received funding for a 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 received support for the 2026 Crossroad Arts Loose Ends event. Held as part of International Day for People with Disability on 3 Dec 2026, the event brings together the Strictly Wheelchair Dance Group, With One Voice Choir, Choir of Unheard Voices, Groove Movers, live painters, poets and Crossroad Arts performers.
The Friends of the MECC received funding for the 2026 Pathways to Performance program, which removes financial barriers for schools to attend live arts experiences at the MECC.
Mackay Triathlon Club received funding for a six-week women’s training program supporting participation in the 2026 Women’s Only Triathlon through coached sessions and inclusive activities.
Mackay Women’s Services received support for signage installation to improve visibility and access for those seeking support.
Grapevine Group Association Inc received funding as a major sponsor for the 2025 Be Suicide Alert This Christmas campaign promoting awareness of suicide warning signs.
Sarina State High School received support for a Yarning Circle to give students a culturally safe space to share experiences, build connections and support their wellbeing. The initiative also helps strengthen understanding of First Nations culture and increase inclusion, empathy and engagement across the school community.
Zoom out
The NQBP Community Fund is an annual sponsorship program for non-profit groups and organisations within NQBP’s port communities of Mackay, Hay Point, Abbot Point in Bowen and Weipa.
Funding is available for projects, initiatives and events that align with NQBP’s strategic themes and values.
The fund also aims to identify partnerships that embrace diversity and inclusion.
What to look for next?
The next key date is Friday April 17, 2026, when applications close.
Successful applicants for the 2026-27 Community Fund will be announced in June.
