Healthy Communities Grants are changing to better fund and support local communities under the partnership between the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) and Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Corporation (GBK).
From 1 January 2027, Healthy Communities Grants will fund eligible in‑region activities only. This funding will no longer be available for activities outside the region, ensuring support remains centred on local priorities.
This change ensures that funding directly benefits local communities and supports place-based community driven health and wellbeing initiatives.
To help communities prepare for the change, for the rest of 2026 communities can apply directly to TSRA for funding support for eligible activities delivered outside the region. Funded activities must take place between 1 June and 31 December 2026.
GBK, as Healthy Communities Grants Facilitator will continue to provide funding support for eligible activities delivered in the region only.
TSRA Chairperson George Nona said the changes would improve community access to local and regional healthy lifestyle initiatives, programs and events.
“From 1 January 2027, more funding stays in the Torres Strait region to support local-led activities here at home from Bamaga and Seisia on the mainland to the inner and outer islands,” Mr Nona said.
“This TSRA funding is for more than just sport, it supports community‑led ideas that help build happy, healthy and active communities across the region.
“At its heart, this program is about communities leading local solutions to create real change and better health outcomes.”
GBK will begin regional visits over the coming months to support communities to identify local health priorities and access their dedicated funding allocation under the Healthy Communities Grants Program.
GBK Chairperson Ned David said the shift strengthened support and funding for local activities across the Torres and Endeavour Straits.
“As a peak body for our people, GBK continues to advocate for Traditional Owners, Elders, families, schools and communities in the region to access funding support on Country,” Mr David said.
“The new model means GBK can keep focusing on local priorities and activities that strengthen health, boost wellbeing and empower our people to create positive change led by community, for community.”
Applications for GBK’s next Healthy Communities Grant Round will open in July 2026. Revised Grant Guidelines will be released in June 2026.
Contact GBK by emailing healthycommunities@gbk.org.au
For funding requests to participate in healthy lifestyle activities delivered outside of the region, contact the TSRA Healthy Communities team on hsc@tsra.gov.au or 07 4069 0700.
The GBK Healthy Communities Grants Program is funded by TSRA.