What’s happening?
Powerlink is providing almost $375,000 in grants to 95 community projects across regional Queensland. Several Townsville organisations are among the recipients, with funding set to support safety, training, community access, wellness and volunteer development across the city.
These grants are part of Powerlink’s broader benefit program, which offers up to $5,000 for projects that support community sustainability and economic development.
Why it matters?
The funding helps local groups continue their work and improve programs that support residents. It also gives volunteers better resources and training, strengthens community connection, and keeps essential activities running.
Local Impact
Townsville groups receiving support include the Community Information Centre Townsville, Townsville Dragon Boat Club, Townsville Men’s Shed, Saints Netball Club, U3A Townsville, and the Townsville and District Rugby League Referee Association. Their funded projects range from wellness classes and volunteer programs to new safety training, essential equipment and community education.
By the numbers
• Powerlink is awarding almost $375,000 to 95 approved community projects across Queensland.
• More than 180 applications were submitted from 18 local government areas for this year’s round.
• Grants were capped at $5,000 per project and $25,000 per local government area for 2026 programs.
Zoom In
The Community Information Centre Townsville received $4,100 for its Community Induction Program. The program teaches people how to access more than 2,000 local agencies and services listed in the centre’s Community Resource Directories. It aims to prevent social isolation and strengthen community participation.
The Townsville Dragon Boat Club secured $5,000 to buy training and wellness equipment. Items include a Concept2 RowErg with paddle adapter, a projector, a pull down screen, and fitness equipment such as resistance bands, balance trainers, free weights, exercise mats, medicine balls and a storage rack. The equipment will support on water and off water training and improve coaching analysis.
Townsville Men’s Shed received $5,000 for a Titanium T1 10 x 6 dual wheel box trailer. The trailer will help the shed collect purchased and donated goods, deliver completed projects and support daily operations.
Saints Netball Club gained $4,500 for its Volunteer Induction Program. The program trains coaches, managers and officials on their roles, responsibilities, practical skills, and the new Child Safe Standards. Training includes practical and theory based sessions.
U3A Townsville secured $1,900 for activities that support seniors’ mental health and wellbeing. Classes include walking, yoga, tai chi, music and other learning options that encourage socialising and mental stimulation. These classes are also open to the public.
The Townsville and District Rugby League Referee Association received $4,500 for accredited First Aid and CPR training. The training will support referees and coaches, including several members with underlying health conditions such as asthma, heart conditions and epilepsy. The association noted the need for timely medical response, especially when members travel to regional appointments in areas like Ayr, Ingham, Bowen and Palm Island where emergency access may be limited.
Zoom Out
Powerlink Community Relations Advisor Ben Galvin said the grants reflected strong demand across the State. “Infrastructure and wellbeing support programs were the most dominant recipients of a grant this year, closely followed by training and equipment needs,” Mr Galvin said.
“This indicated that organisations are focused on making physical spaces safer, more functional and welcoming for members of the community. “It has also shown to us there is a keen interest in boosting capability and operational capacity of volunteer organisations across the State.
“It’s pleasing to see social inclusion projects also appearing frequently, highlighting the ongoing efforts of community groups to reduce isolation and strengthen connections. “Powerlink is proud to support these worthy initiatives and to add to the overall wellbeing of the communities in which we operate.”
He also confirmed this is Powerlink’s third annual community grants program. “Our commitment to Queensland communities is unwavering,” he said. “We are committed to ongoing engagement with them through the life cycle of our work, as well as investing in legacy projects that provide benefits long after we leave.”
The local government areas supported include Banana, Cairns, Charters Towers, Cloncurry, Flinders, Gladstone, Gympie, Isaac, McKinlay, Mount Isa, Richmond, Rockhampton, Somerset, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Toowoomba, Townsville and Western Downs.
What to look for next?
Townsville projects funded through this round will roll out during 2026.
