Ahead of Mental Health Month this October, Australia Post's 2024 Community Grants program will provide funding to 71 not-for-profit community groups across the country, whose projects support mental wellbeing and build greater community connection.
More than $500,000 will go towards a range of groups that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, LGBTIQ+, the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD), people with a disability or care commitments, and older Australians (65+). In addition, over half of the successful applicants are located in rural and remote locations.
Grants of up to $10,000 each will fund initiatives across every state and territory, ranging from free bushtucker-infused lunches to help with mental and physical wellness in Queensland, workshops for neurodivergent LGBTQIA+ youth in Victoria, a range of community-building excursions in Adelaide, and peer support for breast cancer patients in the ACT among other projects.
Australia Post General Manager, Community and Stakeholder Engagement, Nicky Tracey, said it was rewarding to see such a wide range of categories represented in this year's grant recipients, demonstrating the ongoing need for community support across a variety of groups and regions.
"Australia Post's Community Grants program is celebrating another successful year helping to empower organisations to continue their vital work and positively impact the lives of countless Australians. This year, we are proud to support 71 community groups dedicated to enhancing mental health and well-being within their local areas.
"Connecting with others is crucial for our well-being, and the support groups and programs in local communities are essential for fostering this connection. Whether it's helping elderly Australians stay connected, supporting volunteers with mental health first aid training or men's yarning circles for better mental health, we are delighted to support such a diverse group of organisations.
"Our Post Offices are at the heart of Australian communities and understand the important impact that locally led initiatives have on the community. We take great pride in our Community Grants Program and its role in supporting positive outcomes across Australia," Ms. Tracey concluded.
Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, said: "Australia Post supports communities around the country, especially in rural and regional towns where the post office may also be the banking service, newsagent and retailer - all in one.
"It also supports community organisations to give back to their local communities.
"On behalf of the Australian Government, I congratulate the recipients of this year's Australia Post's Community Grants program - thank you for your outstanding community service and all the work you do."
Since 2013, more than 890 projects have been awarded a Community Grant from Australia Post. The full list of Australia Post's 2024 Community Grants program recipients, listed by state/territory and location, and more information about the program, is available at auspost.com.au/grants.
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