Australia Post opens Community Grant applications to boost mental health and community resilience

COMMUNITY organisations across New South Wales are being encouraged to apply for funding through Australia Post’s Community Grants Program, which supports grassroots initiatives that strengthen mental wellbeing, resilience and social connection.

Applications have opened for eligible not-for-profit organisations seeking grants of up to $10,000, with Australia Post also setting aside an additional $250,000 for projects helping communities recover, reconnect and build resilience following natural disasters.

In New South Wales, 31 grassroots organisations received more than $250,000 through the grants program in 2025, including 16 groups supporting communities recovering from disasters.

One of last year’s recipients was Northern Rivers organisation Rainbow Roos, which delivers inclusive and highly accessible soccer programs across the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast.

Director Brad Ambridge said the organisation had evolved beyond sport to become a vehicle for inclusion and community connection.

“It’s kind of become more than just a soccer program,” Ambridge said.

“Obviously, soccer is the theme, the facilitator, but it’s very much centred around the inclusion, the abilities, the youth empowerment of giving kids the opportunity to be themselves and not fear mistakes, failure or their own minds, basically.”

Australia Post funding enabled Rainbow Roos to establish its free Adult Social Soccer program, providing a relaxed environment where people can stay active, meet others and take a break from daily pressures.

“So just an opportunity for adults to have just an hour a week, child-free, if they’ve got kids, or just where they can let their hair down, off of work, have a bit of fun, kick a ball around, meet new people…” Ambridge said.

Ambridge said removing financial barriers had been critical to the program’s success.

“In a region, obviously, like Lismore and the Northern Rivers, where A, there isn’t a huge amount and B, what we’ve been through- just to be able to give something back to the community…. I think we all know financially how tough everything is at the moment, but also how expensive everything’s become.”

Ambridge said participants have described the weekly sessions as a highlight.

“We have conversations with, obviously, the adults that come along casually,” he said.

“They’re like this, genuinely, this is the highlight of my week,” he said.

He said receiving the grant also gave the organisation confidence to trial new initiatives without the financial risk often faced by grassroots groups.

“It also allows us to try things, if that makes sense,” he said.

“There isn’t kind of that pressure and worry of, is this going to work?”

“Especially when it’s got kind of the name Aus Post behind it and everything like that, It’s a recognisable brand. It’s a respected brand and a known brand.”

Australia Post General Manager, Community and Stakeholder Engagement, Nicky Tracey, said local organisations play a critical role in supporting community wellbeing.

“Australia Post is proud of the role it plays in helping build stronger, more connected communities across Australia,” she said.

“We know that when disaster impacts a community, local organisations are the driving force behind bringing people together and supporting long-term wellbeing.”

“With local knowledge and trusted relationships, they understand where support is needed most.”

“Through Community Grants, Australia Post is continuing to back community-led projects that create stronger social connections, support mental wellbeing, and help communities move forward following disaster events.”

Application details and full eligibility criteria are available at auspost.com.au/about-us/supporting-communities/grants/community-grants-program

Applications close at 11.59pm on 6 July.

Successful applicants will be notified in September.