Eight Recipients Receive Impactful Community Funding

Eight well-deserving non-profit organisations were presented with outstanding grants from the Mackay Community Foundation with a focus on bettering the community and making a difference.

The presentation ceremony showcased the selfless work that these organisations have contributed and highlighted the profound impact that the foundation has made in areas that need it most.

Mackay Community Foundation Chair Frances Easton announced that an anonymous donor was ensuring that the financial year of 24/25 would be a memorable one for our community.

“Thanks to an anonymous donor, every donation of $5,000 or more that the Mackay Community Foundation receives in the 2024/2025 financial year will be matched – dollar for dollar,” Ms Easton said.

“So effectively a $5000 donation, will become a $10,000 donation – a $25,000 donation, will be a $50,000 donation. The impact from this generous commitment will be felt by our community for as long as the Foundation stands.”

The eight grant recipients for 2024 included CQUniversity, Kidney Support Network, The Neighbourhood Hub, McDonald House Charities, Crossroad Arts, Community Accommodation & Support Agency (CASA), Share the Dignity and Australian Street Aid Project (ASAP).

Australian Steet Aid Project received another Foundation grant, following their first award of a $10,000 back in 2020 which established a “Specialist Homelessness Medical Fund” to assist homeless people with accessing medical care from GP’s, dentists and essential medical services.

The second, most recent 2024 fund provided by the Mackay Community Foundation was rightfully earned in support of their tireless efforts to engage and improve the lives of the homeless population in Mackay. The generous fund also assisted with transporting clients to medical appointments and filling scripts that are deemed essential to their mental and/or physical health by a GP.

This initiative was instrumental in improving the health and wellbeing of many individuals who would otherwise have limited access to such vital services.

At this year’s presentation, the Australian Street Aid Project achieved a significant milestone, thanks to an additional grant of $41,095 from the Mackay Community Foundation. This funding will enable the establishment of a dedicated medical centre next to their existing facilities, Chances, where the homeless can find respite during the day and receive nourishing meals.

With the new medical centre, the Australian Street Aid Project aims to transition from a reactive to a proactive approach in healthcare, providing timely medical assistance and preventive care to those in need.  

“We are thrilled to support the Australian Street Aid Project once again and witness their incredible progress,” said Ms Easton.

“Their commitment to improving the lives of the homeless in Mackay is truly inspiring, and this new medical centre is much needed in our community.”

To find out more about the Mackay Community Foundation or donate to local causes, visit www.mackaycommunityfoundation.com.

Congratulations to the following recipients of the 2024 Mackay Community Foundation Grants:

$5,000 – Central Queensland University UniCares MCF Emergency Grant, helping students financially who come into an emergency crisis, so as to assist them to continue with their studies
$7,997 – Kidney Support Network, funding of 2 modern point of sales machines for 2 community opportunity shops that KSN operate to ensure that they continue to fund their renal patient transport service
$10,000 – The Neighbourhood Hub – Oh Baby Program!, to support new Mums & Bubs from birth to 6 months to access support, information and social connections.
$12,000 – Ronald McDonald House Charities North Aust – Learning Program, that supports 5 local Mackay students for the cost of 40 hours of tutoring to assist in the journey back to school after receiving cancer treatment
$15,000 – Crossroad Arts – Loose Ends, funding the artist’s that will be participating in the Loose Ends Event. An event initiated to address the gap for inclusive night-time activities in the CBD for young people with disability.
$19,948 – Community Accommodation & Support Agency (CASA) – Homeless Expo, to support set up costs and packages, items, food and drinks for the Homeless.
$20,000 – Share the Dignity, funding the stock of 2 Dignity Vending Machines in Mackay for 2 years. These machines are positioned at CASA and The Neighbourhood Hub
$20,000 – Central Queensland University – U-Beach Project that aims to transfer beach access and inclusion for children, youths and adults with a disability in Mackay
$41,095 – Australian Street Aid Project (Chances) – to fund the establishment of a Homeless Health Clinic beside Chances House.

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CQUniversity, Kidney Support Network, The Neighbourhood Hub, McDonald House Charities, Crossroad Arts, Community Accommodation & Support Agency (CASA), Share the Dignity and Australian Street Aid Project (ASAP) received funding from the Mackay Community Foundation to continue their missions of bettering the region. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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