New funding backs 31 local initiatives to build healthier Queensland communities
- Health and Wellbeing Queensland has today announced $599,000 in Community and Accelerator Grants to fund localised health and wellbeing community-based initiatives.
- Grants empower local councils, community organisations and non-government groups to deliver innovative programs that improve health outcomes and strengthen communities.
- A record 391 applications were received for the funding program this year, more than double the number in 2023, showing strong community demand for practical, impactful projects.
- Funded projects focus on nutrition, physical activity, sleep, wellbeing and health equity, targeting communities most in need.
Health and Wellbeing Queensland has today announced $599,000 in funding to support locally driven health and wellbeing initiatives across Queensland through its 2025 Community and Accelerator Grants.
A record 391 applications were received for the 2025 funding round, highlighting strong demand for practical, place-based solutions that improve health and wellbeing.
The funding – which empowers Queensland communities to live healthier, more active lives – will support 31 programs across councils, non-government and community organisations to promote nutrition, physical activity, sleep, wellbeing and health equity, with a focus on at-risk populations.
Some of the 31 funded initiatives include community garden and wellbeing programs; cooking and nutrition classes; dance, art and movement workshops; First Nations culture, health and nutrition programs; and an initiative to support women and families experiencing domestic violence through cooking, nutrition and social connection.
Dr Robyn Littlewood, Chief Executive, Health and Wellbeing Queensland said the grants were an important way to support communities to create healthier, more connected places to live, learn, work and play – especially those experiencing disadvantage or facing barriers to good health.
‘These grants will support community-led partnerships and initiatives delivering programs that support healthier food environments, more opportunities for movement, and stronger wellbeing outcomes.
‘Each initiative, whether in a small rural town or a busy city suburb, is helping to shift the dial on health – tackling the root causes of chronic disease, not just the symptoms.’
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the grants highlighted the Queensland Government’s commitment to supporting communities to lead healthier, more active lives.
‘From the Cape to the Gold Coast and from Moreton Bay to Mt Isa, these projects will help families eat well, move more, and connect with each other – creating healthier environments for generations to come,’ Mr Nicholls said.
‘Our Queensland communities know their local needs, challenges and opportunities best and these grants are an important way to empower communities to lead that change.
‘With 391 applications received this year – more than double the number received in 2023 – it’s also clear there’s a strong desire across the state to take action locally, build healthier environments, and address barriers to good health.’
Quotes from three recipients of the 2025 Health and Wellbeing Queensland Community Grants:
Yallambee Aboriginal Culture & Community Advancement Inc (Mount Isa)
Yallambee Aboriginal Culture & Community Advancement Inc Chairwoman Teresa Gilbert said the funding would help expand their Muka Murri – Nourishing the Spirit program, supporting Aboriginal families, Elders and young people in Mount Isa and surrounding areas to strengthen wellbeing through culture and food.
‘Muka Murri will bring our community together to learn, cook, grow and share knowledge in a culturally safe space,’ Ms Gilbert said.
‘This support means we can deliver regular bush tucker workshops, hands-on cooking sessions, garden-to-plate activities, and cultural yarning circles with Elders and health professionals. Families will also learn to grow, prepare, and cook healthy meals using a mix of traditional and everyday affordable ingredients.’
Ms Gilbert said the program would strengthen identity, improve nutrition, and create a sense of belonging, while also addressing the health and food security challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
‘We’re empowering our mob with the skills, confidence and cultural pride to make strong, healthy choices for generations to come.’
Green Thumb Farm Association (north Brisbane)
Brisbane-based recipient, Green Thumb Farm Association, is a not-for-profit community farm that reconnects people with growing food and making healthy choices through inclusive, empowering programs delivered in partnership with families, educators and local organisations.
Green Thumb Farm Association CEO Susanne Engelhard said the funding would support the organisation’s ‘Growing for Life’ initiative, a 12-week gardening and wellbeing program supporting students with diverse learning needs from schools across north Brisbane.
‘Growing for Life creates a calm, sensory-rich space where young people can learn, connect and thrive through hands-on gardening,’ Ms Engelhard said.
‘By caring for garden beds, harvesting fresh food and taking it home to share with family, students build confidence, independence and a sense of pride. It shows that healthy habits and wellbeing can grow naturally when children are supported, included and given the chance to succeed.’
UnitingCare Queensland (Toowoomba)
UnitingCare’s Acting General Manager of Out of Home Care Services Amanda Moormann said Cooking with Courage gives young Queenslanders in residential care or semi-independent living the chance to pick up everyday skills that make a real difference.
‘Through hands-on cooking and nutrition sessions, they learn how to plan, prepare, and enjoy simple, healthy meals, something many haven’t had the chance to learn because of trauma, instability, or limited access to health support,’ Ms Moormann said.
‘It’s more than learning recipes. It’s building confidence, independence, and healthier habits for young people to gain practical tools to look after themselves now and as they move into adulthood.
‘With this funding, we can support more young people, helping them grow resilience, feel connected, and develop skills that genuinely set them up for what’s next.’
About the grants
Health and Wellbeing Queensland’s grants align with its dual focus on health legacy and health impact – working with communities to prevent chronic disease, improve wellbeing, and promote healthier lifestyles.
The Community Grants provide funding of up to $20,000 per project to help local councils, non-government organisations and community groups deliver programs that support Queenslanders’ health and wellbeing.
The Accelerator Grants support GenQ Community Grant recipients from 2023 to expand or further develop their successful initiatives, helping proven programs reach more people and deliver sustainable impact.
To find out more about the grants visit https://hw.qld.gov.au/grants/health-and-wellbeing-grants-recipients-2025.
Media Contact: Health and Wellbeing Queensland, 0403 645 519
