Queensland Country Bank has made 2025 look a whole lot brighter for 15 not-for-profit organisations across the state, announcing a record number of recipients for their extraordinary Good for Good Community Grants Program.
This exceptional community 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 (full list below).
“Community groups from Cairns to Brisbane, Weipa, Mount Isa and down to Stanthorpe will next year receive Good for Good Grants, and we could not be more excited to make such a difference with them. 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,” said Queensland Country Bank CEO Aaron Newman. “Queensland Country Bank’s Good for Good program is just one way the bank supports the communities that support us. 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.”
Townsville-based Fuel For Schools, which runs a program across North and North-West Queensland providing children with nutritious breakfasts, received a grant to purchase a much needed vehicle to deliver food supplies to schools.
Paddy Pool, Operations Manager for Fuel For Schools said over the last 12 months the demand for Fuel For Schools had exceeded their initial program expectations. “Schools that were running breakfast clubs one to two days per week quickly realised that on these days school attendance was up along with behaviour and attention to learn. This grant will give us the ability to continue to provide our Fuelling the Future Program without the uncertainty of not having the van,” said Paddy. “The vehicle is instrumental in us collecting food from donors in Ingham, Townsville, The Burdekin and Charters Towers and delivering to our depot before heading out again to the Breakfast Clubs at State Primary and Secondary Schools.”
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.
Cystic Fibrosis Queensland CEO, Petrina Fraccaro said Cystic Fibrosis affected children and families in every corner of our state, with the Good for Good funding meaning delivery of essential diagnostic tools to areas where services are often limited. “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 include:
- 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 recue 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.
ABOUT QUEENSLAND COUNTRY BANK
Queensland Country Bank is a Member-owned bank that started in 1971 in Mount Isa, and offers a uniquely enriching banking experience by integrating exceptional customer service with deep community engagement. The bank supports over 100,000 Members, employs over 450 Queenslanders, and has given back $3 million to local communities through its Good for Good Community Grants program since 2005. The team at Queensland Country Bank prioritises simplicity, speed, and personalisation in their services, supported by digital tools and knowledgeable staff across a 28 (soon to be 29!) branch network across the state. They have been a partner of the North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL for the past two decades and naming rights partner of the Townsville Stadium and are Principal Partner with The Brisbane Heat.
