healthy communities program
Building healthy, active, and connected communities across the Torres Strait and NPA
Update to Healthy Communities grants
From 1 January 2027, Healthy Communities Grants will fund eligible in‑region activities only. 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.
Who can apply?
Torres Strait Islander or Aboriginal organisations, community groups, sporting clubs, or local councils located in the Torres Strait or NPA.
Key dates
Applications are currently CLOSED.
Funding amount
Sporting grants: $200,000 (total) per year
Lifestyle grants: $200,000 (total) per year
About the healthy communities program
he Healthy Communities Program is funded by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), and delivered by Gud a Baradaharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Corporation (GBK).
The Program supports communities across the Torres Strait and the Northen Peninsula Area communities of Bamaga and Seisia, collectively referred to as the TSRA Communities, to lead activities that strengthen health, wellbeing, participation, social connection and culturally strong community life.
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Our goals
Support healthy, active lifestyles
Increase local participation in healthy, active, and culturally grounded activities
Strengthen community leadership and local capacity
Support fair and practical access to funding across communities
Encourage and foster collaboration and partnerships across the region
Support place-based initiatives that respond to local priorities
Types of grants available
sporting grants
Supporting individuals and teams with reasonable travel and essential costs to attend sporting events and carnivals held in TSRA communities.
lifestyle grants
Supporting activities and initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles, including physical activity, wellbeing, healthy eating, connection and participation (sport and non-sport).
Support for community groups
GBK’s Healthy Communities program offers more than funding. It also provides hands-on support to help local groups plan, apply, and deliver their projects.
We can support groups who need help in many ways, including:
Planning ideas and preparing applications
Providing easy templates for budgeting and reporting
One-on-one mentoring and community visits
Finding other funding and sharing your successes