Community Assistance Program keeps residents connected
Published on 28 August 2026
Rockhampton Regional Council is backing the people and projects that help make the region thrive, with 24 community groups sharing $70,750 in funding through Round 1 of the Community Assistance Program for 2026/27.
Communities, Culture and Heritage Councillor Drew Wickerson said supporting local events and initiatives through the Community Assistance Program has brought council a lot of pride.
“We know how important the events and initiatives delivered by our local not-for-profit organisations and community groups are to our region,” he said.
“They bring people together and encourage people to get out and about. Some of these events are also major calendar attractions and the backbone of our smaller rural communities.
“This funding helps these groups make their events the best they can be, encouraging people to attend and return year after year. We’ve also seen it used by sporting events to ensure athletes have access to the best possible medical care and equipment on-site.”
One of the recipients was the Rockhampton BMX Club, which received a $6,000 sponsorship through the Community Assistance Program to support its annual Rocky Rumble competition.
Rockhampton BMX Club Registrar Katrina Hirst said they were expecting hundreds of competitors and spectators from across the state at this weekend’s event.
“People can expect two great days of BMX racing, from our youngest riders aged two right through to competitors aged 60 and over. It is fast-paced and delivered in a friendly atmosphere, making it great for the whole family,” Ms Hirst said.
“COVID-19 really affected BMX, like most other sports, but we have seen steady growth over the last few years. With BMX now an Olympic sport, participation has certainly grown, and we hope the recent World Championships held in Brisbane will help continue that momentum.
“It is a great sport for the whole family, with opportunities for all levels of competition, from relaxed club racing right through to the world stage.
“The Community Assistance Program is a huge help, as running events like this involves many different costs. The sponsorship will go towards the cost of having five-star medics on track who are trained in BMX and other high-risk sports.”
The Community Assistance Program supports non-profit, community-based organisations through grants and sponsorships for projects and events that enhance the wellbeing of the region.
Applications for the next round of the Community Assistance Program open on 21 September and close on 2 November 2026.
For more information or to apply, contact Council's Community Services team on 4936 8368 or visit Council's website.
Round 1 recipients 2026/27:
Australian Native Bee Association Inc, Rockhampton Branch - Furthering the promotion of Australian Native Bees for education, pollination and environmental benefits
Lakes Creek Landcare - Nerimbera Fossil Site Restoration
Rockhampton Girls Grammar School P&C Association - Yarning Circle Sustainability & Native Plant Enhancement Project
St Peters Catholic Primary School P&C Association - Enhancing Sustainability Practices at St Peter's Catholic Primary School
Bouldercombe State School P&C - Bouldy School Country Fair 2026
Capricorn Animal Aid Organisation Inc - 2026 Capricorn Animal Aid Annual Charity Ball, Winter Wonderland, proudly presented by Serenity Dental
Crompton Park Hack and Pony Club - Crompton Park Hack and Pony Club, Formal Gymkhana
Dads Group Ltd - Man With A Pram Rockhampton 2026
Emu Park SLSC - Friday Arvo River Sessions
HeartKids Limited - Two Feet and a Heartbeat
Lighthouse Baptist Church - Christmas Wonderland
Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc - Mount Morgan Wattle Day Festival
Rockhampton Cycling Club - Qld Gravel & Cyclocross State Championships
Warambu Community Hub - Gracemere Community Family Fair
CapRescue - Colour Me Capricorn Rockhampton
Caribeae Swimming Club - Beef City Swimming Carnival
Fulfilling Dreams Inc - PLAYGRND Showdown FIBA 3x3 Quest Basketball Tour
Goldrush Rodea Association Inc - Goldrush Rodeo 2027
North Rockhampton Veterans Golfers Association - Tropic of Capricorn Veteran's Golfers Carnival
Rockhampton BMX Club Inc - Rockhampton BMX Club 2026 Rocky Rumble
Rocky City Amateur Swimming Club Inc - Rocky City Twilight Meet
Stanwell State School P&C - 150 Years Stanwell State School
Rockhampton Senior Citizens Club Incorporation - Weekly Affordable Seniors' Entertainment and Lunches at Schotia Place
Crompton Park Hack and Pony Club - Upgrade to Club Security