Port offers $50,000 for community-minded projects

Applications for Port of Townsville’s 2024 Community Fund are now open, offering $50,000 to support not-for-profits, community groups, and school projects across North Queensland.  

Now in its fourth year, the Community Fund has already backed 50 community projects with a combined value of more than $2.5 million.  

Port of Townsville Chief Executive Officer Ranee Crosby said the Fund is committed to supporting local initiatives that align with the Port's strategic vision for improved sustainability in four key areas: community, people, planet and prosperity. 

"We're proud to have funded a diverse range of projects through previous rounds of the Community Fund," said Ms Crosby.  

"Last year’s projects ranged from the purchase of two Automated External Defibrillators for the Arcadian Surf Life Saving Club and support for five new Story Dogs teams to visit local schools, to the purchase of a coffee cart to enable Happy Vibes Café to train and employ locals with disabilities.” 

Ms Crosby encouraged community groups from across the Port’s North Queensland catchment area to apply.  

"While our Port is based in Townsville, we recognise that our operations impact communities in Hinchinbrook, the Burdekin, Charters Towers, and the North West. We are eager to ensure that the Community Fund benefits these regions as well.”  

Director of Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts Kate O’Hara said the Port's Community Fund supported the development of two Townsville-based First Nations artists in 2023. 

"The Port's Community Fund helped us support the mentorship of two local First Nations artists to participate in a mentorship program with Gail Mabo, create new artwork and represent Townsville artists at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.”  

“The funding has not only helped us engage First Nations artists in meaningful work where they can safely express themselves, but also increased their profile among other galleries and museums, assisting them with sales and future opportunities,” said Ms O’Hara.  

Applications to the Port of Townsville’s 2024 Community Fund are open until 4 March 2024.