The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) is calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from local organisations with skills, expertise and drive to manage and grow targeted Healthy Communities Grants programs.

TSRA Chairperson George Nona said the call-out for a Healthy Communities Grants Facilitator formed part of TSRA’s ongoing commitment to improve health outcomes and support healthy, active lifestyles across the region from the mainland to the islands.

“This is an exciting opportunity for a local organisation to bring leadership, experience and vision to help us tackle challenges and score new opportunities for our region,” Mr Nona said.

“A Healthy Communities Grants Facilitator will help us support more sport and recreation options for more communities than ever before.

“We want TSRA funding to achieve best outcomes from grassroots level health and wellbeing activities to long-term sporting pathways delivering lasting impact for generations.”

Mr Nona said the EOI process aligned with Closing the Gap priority reforms to build the community-controlled sector.

“We acknowledge the efforts of current provider, Torres Strait Youth and Recreational Sporting Association (TSYRSA), as we transition towards a new way to support more sport, health and recreation activities, for even more communities,” he said.

The EOI process will not impact any activities currently funded by TSRA sporting subsidies.

Individuals and organisations can still access and apply for funding administered through Torres Strait Youth and Recreational Sporting Association until 30 September 2025.

From 1 October 2025, the successful Healthy Communities Grants Facilitator will administer sporting grants on behalf of TSRA.

The facilitator will play a key role in developing and introducing best practice grants administration across the region, including funding new and different activities, and will provide strong leadership, coordination and support for funding applicants and recipients.

Mr Nona said in addition to sporting grants, new grants would also be available to help increase access to physical activities.

“Our goal is to support more communities to access and share in funding and opportunities, including a broader range of activities and initiatives,” he said.

“This is a marathon, not a sprint as this multi-year contract is part of a long-term game plan to strengthen health and wellbeing across all of Zenadth Kes.”

The TSRA Healthy Communities Grants Facilitator will be engaged from 1 October 2025 to 30 June 2028 to drive long-term, community-led outcomes and healthy communities across the Torres Strait region.

All EOIs will be assessed on criteria including experience, financial and organisational capacity, along with alignment to TSRA’s goals and the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

EOIs close 25 July 2025.

Learn more or apply at www.tsra.gov.au/healthycommunities