What’s happening?
Powerlink is giving almost $375,000 to 95 community projects across regional Queensland, including several in the Toowoomba region. The grants are part of Powerlink’s community benefit program, which offers up to $5,000 per project and a cap of $25,000 per local government area. Programs will roll out in 2026.
This year’s round attracted more than 180 applications from 18 local government areas.
Powerlink Community Relations Advisor Ben Galvin said the response showed clear community needs. “Infrastructure and wellbeing support programs were the most dominant recipients of a grant this year, closely followed by training and equipment needs,” he said.
Why it matters
Mr Galvin said the grants help strengthen essential spaces and add support for volunteer groups across the State.
“This indicated that organisations are focused on making physical spaces safer, more functional and welcoming for members of the community,” he said.
He said the grants also show rising interest in building capability. “It has also shown to us there is a keen interest in boosting capability and operational capacity of volunteer organisations across the State.”
He added that social inclusion projects continue to stand out. “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 said its commitment remains long term. “Our commitment to Queensland communities is unwavering,” Mr Galvin 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.”
Local impact
Toowoomba community groups secured support for sport, heritage, aviation, children’s wellbeing, and club upgrades. Each project received between $2,400 and $3,500.
These grants will help upgrade equipment, improve safety, support young people, and improve community facilities. All projects are volunteer-driven.
By the numbers
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Powerlink is awarding almost $375,000 to 95 community projects across regional Queensland.
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Community groups could receive up to $5,000 each, capped at $25,000 per local government area.
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More than 180 applications were submitted across 18 local government areas seeking support.
Zoom in:
Here are the recent recipients of Powerlink’s community grants in Toowoomba
- Toowoomba BMX Club Inc. – Funding: $3,500. The club will replace its ageing 12-year-old BMX starting gate air cylinder with a Pro Gate CK Ram Air Cylinder. The current system is worn and needs replacement to maintain rider safety. The club aims to attract larger events to Toowoomba and boost sports tourism. The Pro Gate system is used at National and World Championships and meets UCI standards.
- Yarraman and District Historical Society Inc. – Funding: $2,400. The Yarraman Heritage Centre will improve safety and grounds care. Funds will buy a brush cutter, chainsaw, safety gear, and new first aid kits for key areas.
- Yarraman Horse Sports Inc.- Funding: $2,600. Funds will support new chip cookers to update and improve canteen operations.
- RM Equestrian Centre Inc.- Funding: $3,500. Four dressage arenas will be upgraded with high-standard arena sand to create safe, consistent, competition-level riding surfaces.
- Darling Downs Soaring Club- Funding: $3,500. The Gliding Pathways program will upgrade its flight simulator and boost aviation training options. The project includes a $1,000 scholarship for a university participant and new resources for volunteer instructors.
- Hope Horizons Inc.- Funding: $3,500. Side by Side is a creative wellbeing program for regional children aged 5 to 17 who are living with cancer, as well as their siblings. It uses art, movement, music, psychology sessions, and peer connection to support emotional and social well-being.
- Yarraman and District Bowls Club Inc.- Funding: $2,500. The club will replace its 2011 glass washer, which is no longer supported with parts, to meet health and safety requirements.
- Crow’s Nest and District Pony Club Inc.- Funding: $3,500. Funds will help buy a Thomas Cook arena drag to restore and maintain the club’s sand arena, which is currently unfit for events.
Zoom out
The 18 local government areas supported this year were Banana, Cairns, Charters Towers, Cloncurry, Flinders, Gladstone, Gympie, Isaac, McKinlay, Mount Isa, Richmond, Rockhampton, Somerset, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Toowoomba, Townsville, and Western Downs.
A full list of recipients is available on Powerlink’s website.
What to look for next?
Programs funded through this round will begin rolling out in 2026, with community upgrades, training projects, and wellbeing programs expected to come online across the region.