SeaLink South East Queensland (SEQ) has opened applications to its Community Waves Sponsorship Program, with local clubs, organisations and events across North Stradbroke Island and the Southern Moreton Bay Islands encouraged to apply by 8 February.

The program provides support to local clubs, organisations and events across North Stradbroke Island and the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, backing initiatives that strengthen community connection, participation and wellbeing.

In the most recent funding round, SeaLink SEQ's Community Waves Program contributed support to a diverse range of initiatives including junior sport, environmental conservation, cultural celebrations, and local health and wellbeing programs.

Ben Renwick, General Manager SeaLink SEQ, said the Community Waves program reflects SeaLink's commitment to the island communities it operates.

“Our ferries connect island communities every day, and our Community Waves is one of the ways we can support the people and organisations that help these communities thrive.”

“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,” Mr Renwick said.

Supporting a broad range of community priorities

SeaLink SEQ's Community Waves Sponsorship Program focuses on three key Community Investment Focus Areas to ensure support reaches initiatives that matter to island communities:

1. Community Impact
   We back grassroots initiatives that bring people together and strengthen local connections. From junior sporting clubs and surf lifesaving groups to cultural festivals and community-led events, these projects help foster participation, inclusion and a strong sense of community.
2. Health & Wellbeing
   We encourage programs that promote healthy lifestyles and overall wellbeing. This includes support for youth activities, community meal services, active lifestyle events and initiatives that enhance physical and mental health for residents of all ages.
3. Environment & Education

We support projects that protect the natural environment and enhance learning opportunities. Whether it's conservation efforts, sustainable tourism initiatives or environmental education programs, these projects build long-term resilience and a shared commitment to stewardship.

Previous year's Community Waves recipients have ranged from grassroots community organisations such as STAR Community Services and NSI Aboriginal and Islander Housing Co-operative, to clubs including BIMSARA, Point Lookout Surf Life Saving Club, and Russell Island Bowls Club, and events including the Stradbroke Chamber Music Festival and the Quandamooka Festival.

Catherine Williams from STAR Community Services, said, “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.”

“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,” Ms Williams said.

The sponsorship program is open to eligible community groups operating on North Stradbroke Island and the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, with funding and in-kind support tailored to help initiatives deliver positive local outcomes.

To be eligible, organisations must:

• Be based in the Redlands Coast region, with a strong preference for North Stradbroke Island (NSI) or Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) initiatives
• Align with one or more of the three Community Investment Focus Areas
• Provide clear benefits to the local community
• Submit applications within the designated timeframes.

Applications for the current round close on 8 February 2026.

For full details and to apply, visit: https://www.sealink.com.au/north-stradbroke-island/about-north-stradbroke-island/seq-community-support/

For any questions, contact seq.requests@sealink.com.au.

Gift voucher requests for fundraising can be submitted at any time via our website.