Mental health the focus of new funding opportunity

June 22, 2025 BY

APPLICATIONS are now open for Australia Post’s 2025 Community Grants program, which funds community-led, local projects across Australia.

Eligible not-for-profit groups from South Australia can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to support projects which have the primary purpose of improving connection and mental wellbeing in their local communities.

Since 2020, Australia Post has awarded more than 350 grants to community groups across Australia.

Last year, the program awarded 71 projects across the country, contributing more than $500,000 of funding. More than half of successful applications were in regional areas.

This year, Australia Post has announced a significant expansion of its Community Grants program for 2025, with an additional allocation of up to $250,000 allocated to support grassroots initiatives that enhance mental wellbeing, foster connection, and build resilience in disaster-impacted communities.

Australia Post General Manager, Community and Stakeholder Engagement Nicky Tracey said in times of disaster, it’s local organisations that are best placed to support the recovery process.

“They understand their communities, know what’s needed, and are there for the long haul,” she said. “That’s why we’re proud to offer an additional allocation of up to $250,000 in community grants this year, to support projects in disaster-impacted communities across Australia that promote mental wellbeing, strengthen social connections, and build resilience within their communities.”

One of the successful South Australian projects that benefitted from the 2024 Community Grants Program was 2024 recipient, LBI Foundation in Port Lincoln, South Australia, which played/is playing a vital role in improving the mental health and wellbeing of the local community through the ‘Bush Telegraph’.

The project trained and empowered community members to create and implement local wellbeing projects, enhancing awareness and resilience.

LBI Foundation Community Development and Wellbeing Lead Greg Hatcher said they created The Bush Telegraph to respond to the growing mental health challenges facing Port Lincoln and surrounding communities, a result of years of cumulative pressures like drought, bushfires, COVID-19, and industry change.

“The program equips and empowers community members who are embedded within the ‘bush’ with the shared language, knowledge, and skills to ‘telegraph’ the science of wellbeing, growth and trauma,” Greg said. “With help from the Australia Post Community Grant, we’ve been able to extend the program to new people, partners, and communities and support locals to become leaders of this work. If you’re already doing good work in your community, a grant like this can help you take it further.”

Professor, Head of School of Psychological Sciences at Macquarie University, Dr. Maria Kangas said community groups play a vital role in helping individuals and families recover and rebuild after disasters, not just physically, but emotionally and socially.

“They offer a unique combination of practical support, emotional connection, and shared purpose that fosters resilience and a sense of hope,” Dr Kangas said. “Unlike larger institutions, grassroots organisations are deeply embedded in the fabric of their communities.

“They understand the needs of their communities, have earned trust, and can offer tailored support that’s realistic and responsive. Supporting these organisations is an essential investment in the long-term recovery and wellbeing of disaster-affected communities”.

Organisations interested in applying are encouraged to review the Community Grant guidelines carefully to check eligibility requirements, with eligible organisations able to apply until 11.59pm on Monday, July 7. To check eligibility, visit: auspost.com.au/grants.

Successful applicants will be notified in September this year.

The Community Grants program illustrates Australia Post’s commitment to mental health, which includes a partnership with Beyond Blue that to date has delivered mental health resources to more than sixteen million letterboxes across Australia.

Australia Post is also a founding member of Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds, which supports mental health and wellbeing in the transport and logistics industries.