CONTRIBUTED BY CHARLES ALDER, BAYSIDE COMMUNITY FUND
Since its inception, the Bayside Community Fund has proudly raised and invested more than $103,000 on behalf of Brisbane’s bayside community, a milestone that reflects the generosity, trust and collective spirit of local residents, businesses, sponsors and supporters.
These funds have been invested through Queensland Gives, a program administered under the supervision of the State Government. The model is simple yet powerful: community funds are invested and the interest generated is distributed as grants to local not-for-profit and community organisations ensuring long-term, sustainable support for the bayside region.
Over the years, a number of much-loved community initiatives have contributed to this success. Events such as Pups in the Park, community raffles that have raised over $260,000 for community groups, and highly valued partnerships with Bendigo Bank, the Community Leader, and Celebrate for a Cause have helped build momentum and bring people together around a shared purpose, strengthening the bayside community while giving back in a meaningful way.
The annual Bayside Community Awards have also played a major role in expanding awareness and engagement. Across the three years the awards have been running, more than 1,000 people have attended the celebration events, recognising the individuals, groups, and organisations making a difference locally. Combined with a growing audience of over 15,000 newsletter subscribers to Bayside Community News and thousands of community votes cast each year, the awards have become a cornerstone of community connection.
President of the Bayside Community Fund, Mike Sarquis, said the milestone is a reflection of what’s possible when a community comes together with shared intent.
“This achievement isn’t about a single organisation; it belongs to the entire bayside community,” said Mike.
“Every sponsor, volunteer, event attendee, voter and supporter has played a role in building something that will continue giving back for years to come. We’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved together and excited about what the future holds for the bayside.”
With strong foundations, growing community participation and a sustainable investment model, the Bayside Community Fund continues to ensure local generosity today becomes lasting impact tomorrow, right where it matters most. If you’d like to make a difference to our community come and join us; positions are vacant now for events support and community liaison.
