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Posted by Allen Newton
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29 May, 2026
NIPPER surfers to bird rescue groups are among the record number of beneficiaries from the Port of Townsville’s 2026 Community Fund.
The 63 applications received were whittled back to 14 community groups and organisations who will share in a $50,000 pool.
The annual Community Fund, now in its sixth year, offers applicants the opportunity to fund projects, events and equipment.
Some of this year’s successful applicants will use the funding to buy lifesaving and operational equipment that will directly benefit community members.
Port of Townsville chief executive Ranee Crosby said the response to the 2026 round was the strongest since the fund was launched.
“We launched our Community Fund in 2021, and this is the first year we have seen such an overwhelming response, almost double the number of applications we received in 2025,” Ms Crosby said.
Applications were received from across the region, including Hinchinbrook, the Burdekin, the North West, and Townsville.
“Running a not-for-profit organisation requires a tremendous amount of support including financial, and while we can’t support every application, we’ve tried to extend our reach to as many groups as possible,” Ms Crosby said.
“I want to thank everyone who applied and also our Community Fund judging panel for their time and effort to review every one of the 63 applications we received.”
Townsville Picnic Bay Surf Lifesaving Club will use its Community Fund grant to purchase new training boards to support its Nippers program, which teaches children aged 5-14 beach safety, surf awareness, fitness, and basic lifesaving skills.
President Mel Cosgrove said the club was thrilled and grateful to receive the support.
“This funding is a huge boost for our Nippers program and the wider club community, helping up provide safer, higher-quality equipment and experiences for our young members,” she said.
“Having enough good-quality boards means more children can join sessions instead of waiting for equipment. Families are more likely to stay involved when programs are well equipped.“
Queensland Country Women’s Association Alligator Creek will use funds from the Port’s Community Fund to go towards the 2026 Bindal Ridge Fun Run event in June.
“Having the support of Port of Townsville in hosting our annual Bindal Ridge Fun Run means that we can reach more people in our community and utilise local business as providers for the event,” treasurer Donna Rundle said.
“Bringing together our community for events like this helps fight against social isolation and builds a more resilient community in times of need.
“Having more community participation will result in a more enjoyable and streamlined event that is fun, active and socially engaging.”
The annual fund has supported 55 projects across the region with a combined value of $3 million, since it launched in 2021.
Each application is assessed by the fund’s panel that carefully considers requests with the Port’s values of Partnerships, Opportunity, Respect and Trust and our themes of Prosperity, Planet, Community and People.
