NORTH Queensland Bulk Ports said it has committed $60,000 to nine local initiatives under its inaugural round of community funding.
NQBP received 56 applications in its first year of the funding program.
NQBP acting CEO Belinda Kenny congratulated the funding recipients and said each initiative demonstrated an ability to make a difference in their respective communities.
“We’re proud to support a broad range of initiatives within each of our port communities via this year’s Community Fund,” Ms Kelly said.
“All the initiatives supported have a strong alignment with NQBP’s values of excellence, unity, respect and integrity.”
NQBP said the latest round of the program will fund science kits of a local state school, mental health training, sailing classes for people with disabilities and Christmas hampers for foster children and their carers.
Ms Kelly said the selected initiatives also promote principles of diversity and inclusion and recognition of First Nations peoples.
“I would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this year’s Community Fund and wish those not selected for this year’s fund the very best with their respective community initiatives,” she said.
“We look forward to working with our 2022-23 Community Fund partners to support their valuable initiatives over the coming year and fostering stronger community connections.”
Nanetta McKeiver, president of sailing program Sailability, said the organisation is “extremely grateful” for the NQBP’s support.
“Through our sailing experience sessions, we aim to provide people with disability the opportunity to participate in the sport of sailing in a safe and supportive environment,” she said.
“It’s only with the support of organisations like NQBP that we can continue to provide this opportunity to the Mackay community.”
NQBP intends to run the Community Fund program annually. It is open to non-profit groups and organisations and registered charities.
It said the 2023-24 Community Fund will open for applications in April and May next year.
