Media release – Australia Post, 26 September 2023
Australia Post Delivers Community Grants to Local Projects in Tasmania Supporting Mental Health
Australia Post’s 2023 Community Grants program will provide funding to 72 not-for-profit community groups across the country whose projects support mental health and greater connection in their communities.
In Tasmania, the grant has been awarded to four groups across varied categories including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, LGBTIQ+, the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD), people with a disability or care commitments, and older Australians (65+).
Be Hers is one of the recipients and will use the funds to run the Be Hers Hub, a supportive and inclusive space for migrant, refugee and at-risk women. The Hub will be a safe haven where individuals can connect with each other, engage in activities that promote mental wellbeing such as art therapy and mindfulness as well as access resources and services tailored to their needs.
Eastcoast Regional Development Organisation is will also receive a grant for the Chase a Rainbow, Catch a Dream wellness project consisting of a series of therapeutic art-based activities. The program will enable participants experiencing anxiety and depression or isolation to discover creative ways to manage individual mental health into the future.
The four recipients of the grants in Tasmania will each receive funding of up to $10,000, demonstrating Australia Post’s commitment to addressing the varied challenges and needs of all Australian communities.
Australia Post Executive General Manager, Community, Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement, Tanny Mangos, said it was pleasing to see such a wide range of categories represented in this year’s grant recipients, demonstrating the need for community support across a range of groups and regions.
“Australia Post’s Community Grants program has been put in place to empower organisations to continue their impactful work and make a positive difference in the lives of countless Australians. This year, we are supporting community groups fostering stronger mental health and well-being within their local communities.
“Mental health support groups and programs have been identified as an area that requires ongoing support and commitment, from groups that keep elderly Australians connected, to supporting workers with mental health first aid training and even surf therapy, this year we are delighted to be able to support such a diverse group of organisations.
“Our Post Offices are at the heart of Australian communities and understand the important impact that locally led initiatives have on the community. We’re incredibly proud of our Community Grants Program and its role in supporting these groups as they work to deliver positive outcomes across Australia,” Ms Mangos concluded.
Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, congratulated the recipients and thanked them for their important work in the community.
“It’s fantastic to see so many incredibly deserving community organisations – particularly in rural and regional areas – receive support through Australia Post’s Community Grants program.
“These organisations play a critical role in connecting Australians within their local community, and I look forward to seeing how these partnerships with Australia Post can support their important work”.
Since 2013, more than 800 projects have been awarded a Community Grant from Australia Post. The full list of Australia Post’s 2023 Community Grants program recipients, listed by state/territory and location, and more information about the program, is available at auspost.com.au/grants.
Be Hers
Hobart
$10,000
Be Hers Hub will provide a supportive and inclusive space for migrant, refugee and at-risk women. The Hub will be a safe haven where individuals can connect with each other, engage in activities that promote mental wellbeing such as art therapy and mindfulness as well as access resources and services tailored to their needs.
Eastcoast Regional Development Organisation Inc
Triabunna
$7,750
Chase a Rainbow, Catch a Dream is a wellness project consisting of a series of therapeutic art-based activities. This program will enable participants experiencing anxiety and depression or isolation to discover creative ways to manage individual mental health into the future.
Kentish Regional Clinic Inc.
Sheffield
$2,000
CORES Australia will deliver suicide prevention training and mental wellbeing workshops in Sheffield, Tasmania. Following the delivery of this evidence-based program, local peer facilitators will set up a network in the area to keep participants connected.
St Helens Neighbourhood House
St Helens
$2,000
Learning Locally will educate community members about mental health, mental illness and how to have a conversation of care. The project will promote social connection to reduce isolation and loneliness in the community, and empower participants to seek support for their mental health.
