General News
23 May, 2025
Australia Post delivers in cost-of-living fallout
FROM a Men’s Shed exercise program to supporting skatepark users and wildlife rescuers, the Australia Post “People of Post” grants program will assist a variety of Tablelands community or not-for-profit groups this year.
Announcing the recipients last week, Australia Post said it was increasing its grants for 2025 to $400,000, up by 47%, to support over 200 community groups across Australia in a bid to counter a drop in donations due to cost of living pressures.
Latest research commissioned by Australia Post found that 40% of regular-giving Australians had donated less in the past 12 months, with half saying they gave less to charity because of the increased cost of groceries and essentials.
In Queensland, Australia Post has awarded grants to 55 nominated community organisations, including the Atherton Men’s Shed, and the Tablelands Wildlife Rescue, Wildlife Carers Support Project.
Under the People of Post program, now in its eighth year, nominations are made by Australia Post office workers, posties and other members, for a local community or not-for-profit group to receive a grant of up to $2,000.
To date, the program has supported 2,158 not-for-profit community organisations across Australia, delivering a total of nearly $2 million in grants.
“We know that people want to continue to support their local not-for-profit, but with cost of living impacting both households and communities, many people are finding it increasingly difficult,” Australia Post general manager community and stakeholder engagement, Nicky Tracey, said.
Among the recipients in Far North Queensland, the Atherton Men’s Shed will receive funding to launch a health and exercise program to support the physical and mental well-being of its members and the broader community.
The Agile Project – Wildlife Rescue (TAP-WR), a registered non-profit charity based primarily in the Tablelands and Cairns, will receive funds to provide hi-vis vests for rescue volunteers to improve visibility and promote community recognition.
Tablelands Wildlife Rescue will also receive a grant to provide essential wildlife feed for their volunteer carers who rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife before returning them to their natural habitat.
Christian Outreach Centre’s “Red Frogs Atherton Skatepark Shepherds” program provides a positive and safe space for kids, youth, and families at the Atherton Skatepark. Running on Tuesday afternoons during the school term, the program is led by six volunteers who promote rider safety, community connection, and mental wellbeing. The funding will be used for safety helmets, BBQ supplies and end-of-term prizes.
Better Together’s Community Garden program in Atherton also received a grant to continue its work in developing the gardens.
