Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

NQBP Community Fund To Boost Port Communities

North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) launched its 2023-24 Community Fund today, Friday June 9.

A total of $60,000 in funding is available for initiatives across NQBP’s port communities of Hay Point, Mackay, Abbot Point (Bowen), and Weipa.

NQBP Acting Chief Executive Officer Belinda Kenny said the annual NQBP Community Fund supports local groups and organisations in delivering valuable initiatives that make a real difference in their communities.

“NQBP values the importance of giving back to the communities in which it operates and has proudly provided more than $1 million in community sponsorships and donations over the last decade,” Ms Kenny said.

“The NQBP Community Fund provides funding opportunities for community events, programs and activities that benefit our communities and promote the goals of NQBP.

“Last year, the NQBP Community Fund supported nine community initiatives including sailing experiences and barista courses for persons with disabilities, science and technology school projects/education, and more.

“We’re proud to see the NQBP Community Fund at work within our port communities, with each initiative promoting our values of Excellence, Unity, Respect, and Integrity.”

Pine Islet Lighthouse Preservation Society president, Brian Osborn, said the sponsorship received via the 2022-23 NQBP Community Fund has enabled the volunteer group to complete a Conservation Management Plan for the historic lighthouse located at the Mackay Marina.  

“With NQBP’s support, we have been able to obtain expert advice on the nature and extent of works required to repair and maintain the Pine Islet Lighthouse and preserve the iconic structure’s heritage values,” Mr Osborn said.

“The Lighthouse is almost 140 years old and is a key piece of the local maritime history, so it is wonderful, and quite fitting, to have the local port authority (NQBP) supporting the Lighthouse’s preservation.”

NQBP is a Queensland Government-owned corporation responsible for the ports of Hay Point, Mackay, Abbot Point and Weipa in far north Queensland.

The NQBP Community Fund is open to non-profit groups and organisations, and registered charities, and seeks to support events, programs and activities that align with NQBP’s vision to be a global leader in the sustainable facilitation of port trade and its values of Excellence, Unity, Respect and Integrity.

Applications that identify a community or environmental need, and are consistent with or promote the principles of diversity and inclusion are encouraged.  

Applications for this year’s NQBP Community Fund close on 10 July 2023.

For further details or to apply visit www.nqbp.com.au.

Proud 2022-23 NQBP Community Fund sponsorship recipients Pine Islet Lighthouse Preservation Society volunteers Stephen Wallace and Brian Osborne standing alongside the iconic Pine Islet Lighthouse

In other news