Three Northern Rivers community organisations have secured a combined $30,000 in Australia Post grants to strengthen mental wellbeing, social connections and disaster resilience across the region.
The organisations are among 27 NSW recipients sharing more than $235,000 through the 2026 Australia Post Community Grants program, which supports grassroots initiatives aimed at reducing isolation and building stronger communities.
Each Northern Rivers organisation will receive $10,000 to deliver projects focused on community connection, inclusion and recovery from natural disasters.
In Lismore, Rainbow Roos AU will use its funding to deliver Growing Together: Building Connection Through Play, supporting more than 250 children and families across the Northern Rivers.
The initiative will include 40 inclusive community sessions and eight family connection activities designed to improve wellbeing, encourage friendships and strengthen participants’ sense of belonging through play.
In Mullumbimby, Seed Northern Rivers will receive $10,000 for its Healing Hub project, which aims to address ongoing mental health challenges following natural disasters.
The First Nations and community-led initiative will deliver more than 30 culturally appropriate, trauma-informed workshops to train facilitators in disaster response.
The project will also develop a Community Activation Kit, support the Northern Rivers Community Healing Hub and establish a disaster recovery model that could be adopted by communities across Australia.
Meanwhile, the Wilsons Creek, Huonbrook & Wanganui Community Association has secured $10,000 for its MURMURATION: Community Gatherings project.
The initiative will bring residents from the three valleys together through four seasonal creative gatherings featuring performances, installations and community activities.
Developed in collaboration with local residents, artists, Traditional Custodians and community organisations, the gatherings will celebrate local stories, ecological knowledge and cultural identity while strengthening community resilience and belonging.
The Northern Rivers projects form part of a broader $700,000-plus national funding commitment supporting 81 community initiatives.
More than half of this year’s successful applicants are based in rural and remote communities, while 31 per cent of grants have been allocated to projects supporting disaster-affected areas.
Australia Post General Manager Community and Stakeholder Engagement Nicky Tracey said community-led organisations played a vital role in helping people feel connected and supported.
“Strong local networks can make a real difference to how people feel supported and connected, particularly in communities experiencing challenges.” said Tracey.
“These grants are designed to back organisations at the heart of their community, that understand the people they serve and create practical ways to bring them together and support their wellbeing.
“We’re proud to continue investing in initiatives across Australia, including in rural, remote and disaster-affected communities where local support can be especially important,” Ms Tracey said.
Since 2013, Australia Post has awarded more than 1,000 Community Grants nationwide, supporting initiatives that improve mental health, wellbeing and social connections.
The full list of 2026 recipients is available at auspost.com.au/grants.
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