As part of its work to make a positive impact on communities across the country, Australia Post has awarded grants to 152 grassroots community and not-for-profit groups through its annual People of Post Grants.
This year, the funding available to individual groups has been doubled to up to A$2,000 (US$1,315), with the total investment reaching more than A$290,000 (US$190,683). The initiative sees Australia Post team members nominate local not-for-profit community initiatives that address some of Australia’s most pressing social issues including mental health, disaster support and resilience, Indigenous children’s literacy, and environmental sustainability.
In 2024, more than half of the grants will support projects to improve mental health and connection; 23% will go to groups supporting environmental sustainability initiatives.
A lasting impact
Nicky Tracey, Australia Post’s general manager for community and stakeholder engagement, said, “At the heart of this initiative are Australia Post team members, who witness first-hand the incredible work community groups do every day across Australia. Our People of Post Grants give them the chance to give back.
“At a time when cost of living is high, it’s great that Australia Post can help make a lasting impact on some of Australia’s most pressing issues. We also know that community groups are pivotal in fostering a sense of belonging and making a positive difference to individuals every day, which is particularly important at a time when one in seven Australians experience social isolation and loneliness.”
Since it launched in 2018, the People of Post Grants program has awarded more than 1,900 grants totaling more than A$1.5m (US$986,295). The grants have supported many causes, including delivering intergenerational programs to tackle social isolation and loneliness in Victoria and planting initiatives to restore the habitat and healthy ecosystems for native animals in Queensland.
The full list of Australia Post’s 2024 People of Post Grants recipients is available at auspost.com.au/popgrants.
Commitment to workplace inclusivity
The post has also announced its continued commitment to fostering a culture of access and inclusion. Group chief executive and managing director Paul Graham participated in the Australian Disability Network’s first-ever CEO Insights session at IMPACT 2024, where he challenged corporate Australia to build its accessibility approach on one simple question: “How can we do it, not why we can’t”.
He added, “With 5.7% of our team members with a disability, tracking to be over 6% in FY24, we are focused on building inclusive practices to provide accessibility for everyone in our communities.
“Our Accessibility Matters Employee Reference Group has more than 100 members who are integral in the design and rollout of initiatives throughout the organization that set up team members to do meaningful work and thrive. We are proud of the higher engagement and tenure our team members with a disability have at Australia Post.”
Full support
Australia Post introduced the Workplace Adjustment Guidelines and Passport several years ago to support team members living with disability, ensuring they have the support they need to successfully do their role. Last year the post also announced its Access and Inclusion Plan for 2023-2025, and is one of the largest Australian employers certified as a Disability Confident Recruiter.