Community Benefit Fund

The Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) Community Benefit Fund supports initiatives that deliver positive outcomes for local communities across Queensland.

The initiative is run by the QAL group on behalf of Gold Coast Airport, providing financial support to not‑for‑profit organisations and community groups aligned with our priority focus areas. 

A cheerful dragon boat team poses by the water with their paddles, wearing matching black and blue jerseys featuring a yellow dragon design. A smiling woman in a striped shirt stands among them. In the background, a dragon boat figurehead with a green and gold design adds a vibrant touch. The group is standing on a grassy area under tall trees, with a clear blue sky and calm water behind them. The team members appear excited, with some raising their hands in celebration.

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2026 Community Benefit Fund

Applications now open!

Applications for the 2026 Community Benefit Fund open on 1 June 2026 and close on 10 July 2026.

All applications must align with at least one of the following funding categories to be eligible for consideration:

  • Environment and sustainability
  • Accessibility and inclusion
  • Health and safety
  • Indigenous Affairs

Find out more and apply

Past Recipients

Southern Beaches Community Garden

With the support of our Community Benefit Fund, Southern Beaches Community Garden expanded and replenished its industrial-sized worm farm which, at full capacity, can process up to 40 litres of green waste a day. The nutrient-rich soil keeps 120 garden plots thriving, and with 200 dedicated volunteers, the garden is a great place for people to connect and learn about sustainability.

A group of eight people stands together in a lush community garden, smiling at the camera. The setting includes raised garden beds, vibrant greenery, and a clear blue sky. The group is diverse in age and attire, with some wearing casual clothing and sunglasses. One person on the right gives a thumbs-up, adding a welcoming and positive feel. The background features trees, plants, and a brick building, indicating a suburban or urban gardening space.

 

New Beginnings – Youth Marine Conservation Project

We’re proud that with help from our Community Benefit Fund, New Beginnings launched the Youth Marine Conservation Program, giving students hands-on experience in marine conservation. From beach cleanups to research projects, this program is inspiring the next generation of environmental champions, with many going on to further study or careers in the field.

Find out more: New Beginnings Marine Conservation.

A group of students in red and green uniforms, along with two adult supervisors, participate in a beach cleanup as part of a marine conservation project. They are standing on sandy terrain near a coastal area, holding litter pickers and buckets while wearing wide-brimmed hats, gloves, and hydration packs. The sky is partly cloudy, and the background features coastal vegetation and a tidal inlet. The group appears engaged and enthusiastic about their environmental efforts.

 

Life Education Queensland – Healthy Harold Update

Life Education Queensland, home to the beloved mascot Healthy Harold, has delivered vital health and wellbeing programs to over 1.7 million Queensland children. We’re proud that our funding covered the cost of upgrading the Healthy Harold puppets prototype, which bring lessons to life in classrooms and mobile learning centres, helping kids engage with important health messages in a fun way.

Find out more: Life Education Queensland.

A group of three smiling school students in maroon and blue uniforms sits in the front row, with three women in professional attire sitting behind them. A bright yellow giraffe mascot, Healthy Harold, is positioned in the middle, adding a fun and engaging element. The photo is taken outdoors in a school courtyard with lush greenery, a modern building, and a bulletin board visible in the background. The group appears happy and engaged, likely part of an educational event promoting health and well-being.