Funding for Community-Led Initiatives
Jemena is inviting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to apply for its First Nations Community Grants. The grants, each offering up to $10,000, were announced on 27th May and aim to support community-led projects. These projects provide crisis support services, enhance cultural connections, or create training and employment pathways for Indigenous people.
Eligible organisations must be located in areas where Jemena operates. These locations include Mount Isa, Maryborough, Rockhampton, Rolleston, Biloela, Gladstone, Dalby, Wandoan, Roma, selected regions of New South Wales and Victoria, and Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory.
Craig Ypinazar, Jemena’s Executive General Manager, said, “Our Community Grants Programme is one of the ways we’re turning our commitment to reconciliation into meaningful action in the communities where we live and work.”
Programme Expansion and Success
Following the inaugural grants stream in 2025, this year’s programme expands to reflect the success of previous initiatives. These included literacy programmes for young people, business and leadership training, job readiness and mentoring, youth mental wellbeing services, and cultural education programs. In 2025, seven Indigenous-led organisations received $10,000 grants across New South Wales, Queensland, and the Northern Territory.
Since its inception in 2019, Jemena’s Community Grants Programme has awarded nearly $800,000. This has benefited numerous local initiatives, aligning with Jemena’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. The plan aims for improved outcomes through stronger relationships and opportunities for First Nations peoples.
Craig Ypinazar emphasised, “Through our RAP, we’ve committed to deepening our relationships with communities and expanding opportunities for employment, training and economic participation.”
Applications for the 2026 First Nations Grants programme are now open. Organisations interested in applying can find more information at www.jemena.com.au/communitygrants. Interested parties should apply soon to benefit from the available funding.
Last updated: 28 May 2026, 3:35 pm
