2024 / 2025 GRANTS
Australian Street Aid Project (ASAP) – $19,685
This grant supported the purchase of a dedicated outreach vehicle, strengthening ASAP’s ability to connect with people experiencing homelessness across the Mackay region. The vehicle enables safe transport to essential services, appointments and support, helping remove practical barriers to care. As ASAP CEO Kayleigh Brewster noted, the vehicle represents connection, dignity and access to support for people doing it tough.
Broken Ballerina – $15,000
Funding supported the delivery of qualified counselling services for individuals impacted by domestic and family violence in the Mackay region. Through access to qualified practitioners, Broken Ballerina assists clients to address trauma, strengthen personal safety and work toward breaking cycles of violence.
Clontarf Foundation – $8,522
This grant supported the Mackay L2P Initiative for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young men in Years 10–12 attending the Mackay Clontarf Academy. The program provides access to professional driving instruction for students who may otherwise face barriers to obtaining a driver licence. A total of 125 hours of driving lessons were funded, supporting employability, road safety awareness and positive long-term outcomes.
Crossroad Arts – $18,000
Funding enabled delivery of SCOPE – I can. I dream. I uncover., a three-day inclusive theatre workshop for young deaf and hard-of-hearing participants. The grant covered accessible venue hire, Auslan interpreting, alternate-format marketing materials, and payment for artists and performers. Led by Deaf actor Tony Moore, the program supported participants to explore identity, confidence and visual storytelling, culminating in a public sharing of their work.
Engedi – $18,655
This grant funded the development of an accessible garden designed for people living with disability and mobility challenges. The space includes raised garden beds, wide pathways, adaptive tools and sensory-friendly features, creating an inclusive environment for Engedi participants and members of the wider community to engage in gardening and outdoor activity.
Kidney Support Network – $29,133
Funding supported the replacement of the oldest vehicle in Kidney Support Network’s volunteer-run transport fleet. The vehicle provides essential transport for renal patients attending dialysis and medical appointments across the Mackay region. Operating six days per week from 6am to 9pm, each vehicle travels an average of 2,300km per month, ensuring consistent access to treatment.
Mackay Women’s Services – $44,031
Vehicle replacement
Funding enabled the replacement of a vehicle at the end of its service life, allowing Mackay Women’s Services to continue delivering frontline support to victim-survivors across the region. This includes weekly court support at Mackay Courthouse, attendance at interagency meetings and coordinated responses for complex cases.
Technical Surveillance Counter Measures Training
Additional funding supported Technical Surveillance Counter Measures training for up to 90 participants, strengthening local capability to respond to technology-facilitated abuse. Training covered recognising tech-based abuse, understanding surveillance tools, safety planning and supporting clients and the broader community to improve digital safety.
One Life NQ – $9,836
This grant funded the replacement of worn and damaged furniture at Myrtles Place, a 24/7 supported accommodation facility. The new furniture improves the living environment for eight residents, with onsite staff providing daily support. It better meets the needs of residents with physical disabilities, dementia and complex mental health needs, enhancing comfort, safety and day-to-day living conditions.
YIRS One Stop Youth Shop Inc – $3,040
Funding supported delivery of the Strength 2 Strength and Free 2 Be Me programs, providing self-empowerment and life-skills development for young people. Delivered over five weeks, the programs focused on building resilience, confidence and employability skills, supporting continued engagement in education and training pathways.
Orange Sky – $10,000
This grant supported the relocation of the Mackay Laundry Pod to ensure continuity of free laundry services for people experiencing hardship. The pod was relocated from Vincent de Paul Society’s Community Support Centre to Mackay City Girl Guides on Sydney Street, with minimal disruption to service access for the community.
Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia (RMHCNA) – $14,000
Funding is supporting 200 hours of one-on-one tutoring for Mackay-based students recovering from cancer treatment. The program focuses on strengthening numeracy and literacy skills, to help students successfully transition back to school after extended periods of absence.
Share The Dignity – $10,000
This grant funded the stocking of two Dignity Vending Machines in Mackay for a 12-month period. Located at The Neighbourhood Hub and CASA Mackay, the machines provide free access to period products, dispensing up to 120 packs per day and supporting dignity, health and accessibility for people experiencing financial hardship.