Armidale-based BackTrack Youth Works is among the NSW organisations sharing in Australia Post community grants aimed at strengthening mental health, resilience and recovery programs across the state.
Australia Post has awarded grants to 46 organisations across NSW through its 2026 People of Post program, including 27 mental health charities.
Nationally, almost $500,000 has been distributed to 251 community initiatives, with mental health projects receiving the largest share of support.
BackTrack Youth Works received funding for its Disaster Recovery Crews program, which provides rapid support to communities hit by natural disasters while creating paid employment and training pathways for young people facing barriers to work.
The grant will fund a four-person crew for two-day deployments, covering costs including vehicles, fuel, machinery hire, food and supplies, allowing crews to respond quickly and independently to disaster-affected communities.
The program comes as communities across the country face increasing pressure from floods, fires and severe weather events, with demand growing for trained local recovery crews. The BackTrack crew are already providing valuable support, helping with flood recovery in Taree last year, and sending a crew to work with BlazeAid in Victoria assisting with fire recovery.
Also among the grant recipients was Aussie Hero Quilts, which provides handmade quilts and laundry bags to current and former Australian Defence Force personnel during deployment, recovery and hardship.
Funding will help cover the cost of fabric and materials used by the organisation’s volunteer network to continue producing the quilts and care items.
Solace Association NSW also secured funding to train volunteer facilitators supporting widowed Australians through online grief support groups, particularly in rural and remote communities.
The grant will support specialist training, venue hire and materials to help volunteers manage complex grief situations and hybrid support delivery.
Australia Post General Manager Community and Stakeholder Engagement Nicky Tracey said the grants were designed to help communities respond to growing social pressures.
“Our team members see firsthand the challenges facing their local community every day, particularly in regional Australia, where access to mental health support can be limited,” Ms Tracey said.
“The People of Post program empowers our people to respond in a meaningful way, supporting local organisations that are doing vital work to improve wellbeing, build resilience and strengthen social connection.”
The grants program has delivered more than $2.4 million to community organisations across Australia over the past nine years.
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