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Queensland Country Bank backs early learning via Community Grants program
Freya Lucas
Dec 04, 2024
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Recipients of the 2025 Good for Good Community Grants Program have been announced, with the Queensland Country Bank backing two early learning projects in their record number of recipients.
The Good for Good Community Grants Program has been running since 2005 and has injected $3 million back into Queensland. It is open to eligible Queensland not-for-profit organisations, with grants available up to $30,000 to help deliver projects that will make a practical difference in communities.In 2025, a record 15 recipients will receive Good for Good Grants, to a total of $150,000, with Weipa Early Childhood Education Association Inc and Big Birds Nest Childcare Centre benefiting in the early learning space.
“In 2025 we will provide a shared total funding of $150,000, which is a record level of funding, to a record number of recipients,” Queensland Country Bank CEO Aaron Newman said.
“Many smaller regional and remote communities really rely on not-for-profit groups to help improve the liveability of their local communities, and we are pleased to be able to support the work of some of these community groups with their projects. It’s about doing good for good.”
Grant recipient Cystic Fibrosis Queensland received a grant to purchase Spirometers for children in low socio-economic rural, regional, and remote areas in Queensland, allowing lung health to be monitored from home, reducing the need for frequent, long-distance travel to healthcare facilities, something which CEO Petrina Fraccaro said will make an enormous difference.
"Spirometry testing is a vital part of monitoring lung health in children with cystic fibrosis, but access to such equipment has been challenging in rural and remote areas. This grant allows us to bridge that gap, ensuring more children can receive timely care, no matter their location," she said.
"This initiative is a lifeline for families living in rural, regional, and remote communities, where access to specialised health care can be hours away. The communities that will benefit span Queensland’s vast geography—from the outback to the coastal regions. Funding like this is essential. Rural, regional, and remote communities in Queensland face unique challenges, particularly when it comes to specialised healthcare access and grants such as this are critical in ensuring these families receive equitable health support and resources."
The 15 recipients of 2025 grants are as follows:
- Cairns - Far North Queensland Wild Life Rescue (FNQWLR): With the increasing number of animals requiring assistance and a decline in the numbers of carers willing to incur the cost of specialised food, this funding will be vital in sustaining their rescue and care operations.
- Cairns - COUCH Wellness Centre: The funding will allow the centre to support existing and new clients affected by cancer with free workshops including Nutrition, Art Therapy and Music Therapy.
- Yarrabah - Mulgrave Combined Cricket Association: Funding enables a focus on increased female participation, particularly on the Indigenous community of Yarrabah and the local Indian community, to provide equipment, uniforms and transport assistance to practice and games.
- Mount Isa - Outback at Isa: A feature wall will be created by local Indigenous, at-risk, young people, coached by Indigenous artists, enabling skill development and exposure, supporting local talent and cultural diversity.
- Mount Isa - Mount Isa and District Athletics Club: Funding will provide new shade tents and gazebos to provide athletes and their parents with protection from extreme temperatures.
- Weipa - Weipa Early Childhood Education Association Inc: Playground equipment incorporating natural materials and elements will be installed to support exploration and play-based learning.
- Townsville: Fuel For Schools Ltd: Funding will purchase a vehicle to deliver food supplies to schools across North and North-West Queensland for the breakfast program which aims to provide more children with a nutritious breakfast, improving attendance and learning outcomes, particularly for disadvantaged children.
- Charters Towers – Charters Towners Civic Club Incorporated: Solar power will now be installed at the heritage-listed building which will reduce power bills, improve sustainability and allow the Club to utilise funds for other projects and maintenance works.
- Mackay - Mackay Surf Life Saving Club Inc: Beach access matting will now be installed to boost safe and inclusive participation (loose sand is a physical barrier for older, disabled, mobility and visually impaired community members).
- Ayr - Big Birds Nest Childcare Centre: Much needed new cots will be purchased, to promote safe sleep quality care and support long term viability.
- Collinsville - Collinsville Community Association: Funding will mean the undercover concrete area can be professionally painted with different games and activities, line markings and more, to help to keep the minds and bodies of youth active.
- Stanthorpe - Stanthorpe & District Cricket Association Inc: A needed upgrade of the cricket covers for two 2 turf pitches can take place, and purchase of water management equipment.
- Brisbane - Western Districts Netball Association: Funding will support migrant and refugee students from local schools to participate by assisting with registration fees and uniforms as well as training shoes and sport bras on an as-needed basis.
- Queensland - Cystic Fibrosis Queensland: Spirometers will be provided to children in low socio-economic rural, regional, and remote areas in Queensland, allowing lung health to be monitored from home, reducing the need for frequent, long-distance travel to healthcare facilities.
- North Lakes - Bramble Bay Women's Shed: Funding will allow an upgrade, making the shed safer through the purchase of new machines, electrical equipment, roofing insulation and a defibrillator.
Learn more about the Grants program here.
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