Community Benefit Fund

The Gawara Baya Community Benefit Fund supports sustainable community development initiatives aligned with local priorities – by the community, for the community.

$200,000 is available every year for eligible initiatives benefiting communities in the Charters Towers Region, Hinchinbrook Shire, and Townsville City local government areas.

Fund investment categories

Health and
wellness

Liveability

Economic
development
and tourism

Environmental
initiatives

Sustainable
energy and waste
management
solutions

Funding streams

Community Enrichment Program

Funding for sustainable community initiatives and events valued under $10,000 and delivered in under a year, to support thriving, connected communities.

Futures Fund Program

Funding for initiatives valued over $10,000 delivered in partnership with key stakeholders to support regional resilience and community development aspirations over the long-term.

Applying for funding

Thank you to all the community groups and local organisations that submitted applications for the Gawara Baya Community Benefit Fund.

We received an overwhelming response to our first funding round, with a total of 25 applications received.

We have fast tracked a number of time sensitive projects for funding that will deliver immediate benefits. These have been carefully assessed against our criteria, and a shortlist has been approved for funding.

To receive updates about the next funding round, email gawarabaya@windlab.com.

Applications are now open!
Visit the application portal

Merit selection panel expression of interest

We are seeking community representatives to be part of a merit selection panel. The panel will help assess applications for funding against set criteria and make recommendations.

To apply, read the Community Benefit Fund Guidelines and submit your expression of interest to gawarabaya@windlab.com, ensuring you declare any conflicts of interest.

Community Benefit Fund

Over the years we have invested in a range of community events and development initiatives as part of our long-term commitment to the region, and making a positive difference in the lives of local people.

In 2024, Windlab will launch Gawara Baya’s annual $200,000 Community Benefit Fund.

The Gawara Baya Community Benefit Fund will invest in sustainable development initiatives that aligned with stakeholder and community priorities.

The Community Benefit Fund will launch when Gawara Baya achieves financial close, expected in mid-2024. Funding will be available to eligible community organisations and not-for-profit groups throughout the construction phase and full operating life of Gawara Baya (35+ years).

Applications for funding be assessed and administered by a diverse board of community representatives, led by an independent Chair.

Funding will be allocated equally into two funding streams:

Community Enrichment Program
Futures Fund

$100,000 per year

$100,000 per year

Community projects, events and initiatives valued up to $10,000 each, with an emphasis on capacity building within the community.

Larger regional infrastructure and development initiatives, identified in consultation with community, stakeholders, and government.

The Community Benefit Fund is separate to investment through the project’s Indigenous Land Use Agreement, which is specifically designed to support the rights of Traditional Owners, and education, employment, enterprise and capacity building initiatives for First Nations Peoples through the project.

Key areas of investment include:

Health and
wellness

Liveability

Economic
development
and tourism

Environmental
initiatives

Sustainable
energy and waste
management
solutions

Want to learn more about funding for your organisation?

Interested in applying for a position on the Gawara Baya Community Benefit Fund committee?

Windlab’s Community Engagement team wants to hear from you.

Get in touch

Got questions?

Contact us and we'll respond directly.

Contact the project team