On October 1 2025, to mark the beginning of Mental Health month, Australia Post announced a record-breaking amount of over $700,000 in funding for 88 not-for-profit community groups nationwide through the 2025 Community Grants program.
Directly supporting grass-roots projects that aim to enhance mental wellbeing, foster connection and build resilience, this year’s program also saw a significant expansion – committing an additional $250,000 towards initiatives in disaster-impacted communities. This new ringfenced funding has resulted in more than 40% of this year’s grants allocated to recipients working to help communities recover, reconnect and thrive after natural disasters.
Among those named as successful in applying for a grant under the Disaster-impacted community program was POSMS, the Pittwater Offshore Men’s Shed, which exists to provide support and assistance to men and other members of the local community through the operation and maintenance of a multi-disciplinary workspace facility (the Shed), located on Scotland Island in Pittwater.
Pittwater Offshore Mens Shed, was awarded $10,000 for its Tides of Friendship initiative, which will support men through monthly gatherings, skill-sharing workshops, and community repair projects. In response to repeated storm events, bushfire threats, and infrastructure damage, the program fosters peer support, mental health awareness, and resilience by creating safe, locally-led spaces for connection and purpose.
Australia Post General Manager, Community & Stakeholder Engagement, Nicky Tracey said applications for this year’s program showed an outstanding level of local initiatives, strengthening connection and resilience in communities across the country.
“In times of disaster, it’s local organisations that are best placed to support the recovery process, as they understand their communities, know what’s needed, and are there for the long haul. That’s why we’re especially proud that a record share of funding will support grassroots initiatives supporting wellbeing and building resilience in disaster-impacted communities,” Ms Tracey said.
Funding from the 2025 Community Grants program includes support towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, LGBTIQA+, the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD), people with a disability or care commitments, and older Australians (65+). Additionally, over half of the successful applicants are located in rural and remote locations.
Grants of up to $10,000 each will fund initiatives across every state and territory, including projects such as:
- Therapeutic horticulture programs to foster social connections for the LGBTIQA+ community in Fawkner, Victoria
- Nature-based wellbeing sessions to support the mental wellbeing of residents affected by recent flooding following Cyclone Jasper in Queensland
- Surf Therapy for first responders in Gerringong, New South Wales.
The Community Grants program is part of Australia Post’s commitment to mental health, which includes a partnership with Beyond Blue that to date has delivered 21 million Connection Postcards to households across Australia.
“Our Post Offices are at the heart of Australian communities, and we understand the important impact locally led initiatives have on the community. Through our Community Grants program, we’re proud to support 88 community-led projects that create stronger connections and provide vital support where it’s needed most,” Ms Tracey continued.
Since 2013, more than 981 projects have been awarded a Community Grant from Australia Post. Last year, the program awarded 71 projects across the country, contributing more than $500,000 of funding. More than half of successful applications were in regional areas. The full list of Australia Post’s 2025 Community Grants program recipients, listed by state/territory and location, and more information about the program, is available at auspost.com.au/grants.
Another local organisation which received a grant was the North Sydney Community Centre, North Sydney, which was awarded $4,000 for Creating Space. This is set to deliver creative wellbeing events at North Sydney Community Centre, offering safe, inclusive sessions for men and women to connect through music, art, and shared meals. These events are expected to foster emotional wellbeing, reduce isolation, improve mood, and build momentum for future community-led mental health programs.
More about the Pittwater Offshore Men’s Shed
What is the purpose of POSMS?
The objects of the Pittwater Offshore Men’s Shed Inc. (POSMS) are to provide support and assistance to men and other members of the local community through the operation and maintenance of a multi-disciplinary workspace facility (the Shed).
This overall objective focuses on the delivery of the following goals :-
- encouraging the development and sharing of skills and competence of members
- promoting comradeship and fellowship amongst members
- promoting and enhancing healthy lifestyles of members
- promoting the discussion of issues of Men’s Health amongst members
- engaging with the Pittwater offshore community to assess local requirements and deliver appropriate activities, projects or services
- enhancing the ability of offshore community members to thrive in their offshore environment, including improving the boating environment
- supporting other community organisations and charitable groups throughout the Pittwater community by :-
- undertaking work or projects, which assist those organisations or groups
- promoting community activities amongst members
- promoting offshore initiatives amongst members
POSMS is an incorporated association registered in New South Wales, incorporation number INC2400669. POSMS is a member of the Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA), registration number AMSA101840.
POSMS meets weekly on Thursdays at 6-8 PM in the Scotland Island Recreation Centre, Catherine Park, Scotland Island.
Membership of Pittwater Offshore Men’s Shed is open to all men living in the Pittwater Offshore community - including Scotland Island, Elvina Bay, Lovett Bay, Towlers Bay & Morning Bay. We encourage men of all ages, from all backgrounds to become a part of our community.
If you would like to become a member, please fill out the form on our website and we will be in touch!
There is a nominal annual membership fee of $50 to pay for mandatory insurance and to contribute towards our operational expenses.
Men’s health & wellbeing
POSMS exists to promote and enhance healthy lifestyles of its members, and to promote the discussion of issues of Men’s Health amongst its members.
Men’s shared interests & activities
POSMS encourages the development and sharing of skills and competence of its members, and promotes comradeship and fellowship amongst its members.
Community support & engagement
POSMS supports other community organisations in the Pittwater community by undertaking work or projects which assist those organisations or groups, promoting community activities amongst its members, and promoting offshore initiatives amongst its members.
More at: www.posms.com.au