SEALINK South East Queensland has opened applications for its 2026 Community Waves Sponsorship Program, inviting local clubs, organisations and events across North Stradbroke Island and the Southern Moreton Bay Islands to apply for support by February 8.
The annual program provides financial and in-kind assistance to grassroots initiatives that strengthen community connection, participation and wellbeing across the island communities SeaLink services.
In the most recent funding round, Community Waves supported a wide range of projects spanning junior sport, environmental conservation, cultural celebrations and local health and wellbeing programs.
SeaLink SEQ general manager Ben Renwick said the program was a practical extension of the company’s long-term commitment to island communities.
“Our ferries connect island communities every day, and our Community Waves program is one of the ways we can support the people and organisations that help these communities thrive,” Mr Renwick said.
“We’re proud to support grassroots initiatives that are vital to community connection, whether that’s sporting clubs, environmental groups, cultural events or local health programs.
“These organisations play an important role in bringing people together and creating strong, resilient island communities.”
The Community Waves Sponsorship Program is structured around three Community Investment Focus Areas: community impact, health and wellbeing, and environment and education.
Under the community impact stream, the program backs initiatives that foster participation, inclusion and local connection, including junior sporting clubs, surf lifesaving groups, cultural festivals and community-led events.
The health and wellbeing focus supports programs that promote healthy lifestyles and mental and physical wellbeing, such as youth activities, community meal services and active lifestyle initiatives.
The environment and education stream targets projects that protect the natural environment and enhance learning opportunities, including conservation projects, sustainable tourism initiatives and environmental education programs.
Previous recipients of Community Waves funding have included organisations such as STAR Community Services and the North Stradbroke Island Aboriginal and Islander Housing Co-operative, as well as clubs including BIMSARA, Point Lookout Surf Life Saving Club and Russell Island Bowls Club.
Supported events have included the Stradbroke Chamber Music Festival and the Quandamooka Festival.
STAR Community Services representative Catherine Williams said SeaLink’s support had delivered tangible benefits for island residents.
“Thanks to the support from SeaLink, in 2025 STAR Community Services’ volunteers were able to deliver more than 221 ‘Secret Santa for Seniors’ Christmas hampers to seniors living on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands who were on their own at Christmas,” Ms Williams said.
“This program supports us to help reduce social isolation and lets seniors know they are not forgotten and that the community cares.
“We could not bring this joy without the support of SeaLink and the Redlands community.”
The program is open to eligible community groups operating in the Redlands Coast region, with a strong preference for initiatives based on North Stradbroke Island or the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.
To be eligible, applicants must align with at least one of the three Community Investment Focus Areas, demonstrate clear benefits to the local community, and submit applications within the designated timeframe.
Applications close on February 8.
Further information and application details are available via the SeaLink website, while enquiries can be directed to seq.requests@sealink.com.au.
Gift voucher requests for fundraising initiatives can be submitted at any time through the company’s website.
