Thriving Communities Qld

29/07/2026

The next round of Play On! Sports Vouchers is now open – making it easier for families to support their children to stay active, try new sports and join local clubs. ⚽🎾🏀🏉🏃‍➡️

Eligible Queensland families can apply for a $200 voucher to help reduce sport membership fees and participation costs for children aged between 5 and 17.

✅One voucher per child per financial year.
✅Two opportunities to apply this financial year – this round is best if you are planning ahead for summer sports.
✅More than 3,750 Queensland sporting clubs are now accepting Play On! Sports Vouchers.
✅Dedicated allocation of vouchers for children with disability and for kids living in rural and regional Queensland.
✅Quick and easy online application.

👉Learn more and apply now: www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/playon/about

[Image description: An action photo of a children’s soccer game with a young female player about to kick a soccer ball. Players from both teams are in the background. The game is taking place on a grassy field and above is a clear blue sky. White text reads ‘$200 Play On! Sport Vouchers’. The blue Delivering for Queensland wordmark and Queensland Government crest sits in a white footer.]

28/07/2026

Do you know someone in your community who is an extraordinary Australian?

Someone who is making a meaningful, positive impact on our lives, communities and country?

Consider nominating them for the Awards to ensure their efforts are
recognised.

at www.australianoftheyear.org.au/nominate.

Nominations close at midnight, 31 July 2026.

[Image description: Lady in a blue European Astronaut Centre uniform smiling at the camera. The background is orange, and the text overlayed reads, " See Them, Hear Them, Nominate Them. Australian of the year dot org dot a u. Do you know the next Australian of the Year?" Below the text, four small circles have text inside them that read, "Australian of the year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year, Australian Local Hero."]

27/07/2026

It’s wonderful to see Queensland Fire Volunteer Alison Martin and retired rescue dog Sammy highlighting the many benefits of volunteering in our communities.

Volunteering is a great way to connect with others, learn new skills and make a real difference.

If you’re interested in volunteering with the Queensland Fire Department find out more here: https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/join-our-team/rural-fire-service-queensland/volunteer

Looking for other volunteering opportunities? Visit seniors.org.au to explore a range of volunteer roles across Queensland.

27/07/2026

Exercising during the colder months can be hard — but experts say the benefits of staying active in winter outweigh the discomforts.

🌐 For tips to help you stay on track, read the full story at 👉 https://ow.ly/9LJg50ZpGPv

[A person exercising, wearing orange activewear with the ABC News logo in the top-left corner.]

Experts say winter is a good time to double down on exercise rather than taking the foot off the gas.

23/07/2026

⚠️ IMPORTANT REMINDER ⚠️

On Monday, 27 July at around 2pm AEST, the Australian Government will conduct the AusAlert test across Australia.

AusAlert is one of the ways Australians receive emergency warnings during disasters and other emergencies. Only authorised emergency services organisations and the Australian Government can send AusAlerts.

During the AusAlert national test:
• a message will appear on your screen
• you will hear a loud siren sound for about 10 seconds
• you do not need to do anything.

For some people, alerts may feel distressing or confusing. If you know someone who may be affected, consider letting them know about the test in advance.

AusAlert sends near-instant emergency messages to compatible mobile devices like mobile phones, tablets and smartwatches.

AusAlerts use vibration, sound and on-screen messages to get your attention. They look and sound different to an ordinary text message (SMS). They may alert you even if your device is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’.

If you don’t have a mobile device but have a landline, you may receive an AusAlert with spoken instructions.

As this is just a test, you don’t need to do anything, but in an actual disaster you should follow the alert instructions to keep yourself and others safe.

To learn what an AusAlert sounds like, visit ausalert.gov.au

[Image description: The image features a background which is a gradient of blue, purple and orange. There is white text that reads "Staying safe during the AusAlert national test" followed by, "2:00 pm AEST Monday 27 July 2026". The Australian Government and AusAlert logos are also shown at the top left of the image.]

22/07/2026

This month, our friends at East-Brisbane Community Centre enjoyed a beautiful Dried Flower Bouquet Making Workshop. 💐✨🌸

Neighbourhood Centres are located throughout Queensland and play a key part in building community connection.

They offer a variety of activities and events, just like this one!

To find your local centre visit qld.gov.au/neighbourhood-centres

[Image description: A series of images of ladies creating dried flower bouquets at their local community centre.]

22/07/2026

💰 Did you know that negotiating your bills could save you thousands?

The worst outcome? They say no and you end up keeping your current deal anyway. The only thing you'll lose is the time it took you to ask.

Here are five areas it's worth trying to negotiate to keep more of your precious cash:
✅ mortgage interest rates
✅ big-ticket items — cars, homes
✅ insurance
✅ electronics or whitegoods
✅ power and gas.

A simple conversation could lead to significant savings.

🌐 Read the full story by Lacey Filipich, financial educator and author of Money School at 👉 https://ow.ly/KKMb50ZpGOq

[A person sitting at a desk in front of a computer with her hand on her mouth with dollar sign graphics in the background. The ABC News logo is in the top-left corner.]

Negotiating to reduce your spending and increase your income are tangible ways you can improve your financial situation right now.

16/07/2026

Emergency relief when you need it.

The Emergency Relief Program provides financial and/or material support to Queenslanders in financial crisis.

Support may include:
👉 vouchers for food, transport or other essential items
👉 contributions to payment of bills
👉 food parcels
👉 referrals to financial and support services in your area.

There are over 100 Emergency Relief Program providers across Queensland. Find your nearest one 👉
https://ow.ly/Ezem50Zn8XI

[Image description: Blue background with a white outline of a large hand, reaching to another hand, symbolising support. The text reads, "Emergency Relief Program, Support for unexpected financial pressures."]

15/07/2026

As the cooler weather sets in, many of us turn to heaters, electric blankets, hot water bottles and other warming products to stay warm. These items can make winter more comfortable, but they also come with risks if not used correctly.

To help protect your household throughout the cooler months, keep your family safe by following important safety reminders and stay informed with the latest winter safety advice on the Product Safety Australia website at 👉 https://ow.ly/Ov3E50Zn96O

[Image description: A group of people wearing long pants and socks and holding cups of hot drinks while sitting on the floor.]

Winter is here and that means products like heaters, electric blankets, hot water bottles and heat packs are coming out of storage or being purchased.

13/07/2026

🐝 Don't let this opportunity buzz by! 🐝

Are you passionate about protecting our pollinator pals? Apply for a Trees for Bees Community Tree Grant to plant pollinator-friendly trees and create a haven for bees in your community. 🌸🍯

It's the bee-ginning of something sweet. 🐝💛

👉 Find out more: www.wheenbeefoundation.org.au/our-work/projects/community-tree-grants

Hurry – applications close 20 July.

[Image description: Black tile with text that reads Carman's Trees for BEES. In proud partnership with Wheen Bee Foundation. There is a yellow bee's flight path in a dotted white line making a tree shape. On the right are three white circles with a flower pattern in the first, bee in the second, and fork and knife in the third.]

The Carman’s Trees for Bees Community Tree Grants support the planting of bee-friendly trees in extended gardens, community-owned land, school grounds, sporting club precincts and urban corridors.