Anglo American grants program supporting Queensland communities

Anglo American’s 2025 Community Grants Program has made funding available to Central Queensland community groups and not-for profit organisations in the Moranbah, Middlemount, Moura, Banana and Theodore regions.

Anglo American Australia sustainability and corporate affairs head Kate du Preez says the program was designed to account for and support the future of local communities where it operates.

“We are passionate about ensuring mining benefits reach the people and places that make our regions unique now and for generations to come,” she said.

“Our Community Grants Program is just one of the ways we invest in the future of our local communities with a focus on education, environment, wellbeing and skill building.”

In 2024, 57 groups across Anglo American’s operations in Queensland shared in almost $500,000 in community grants toward local sustainable development initiatives.

Among those recipients, Middlemount Community School received $34,000 toward furniture and musical equipment in addition to funding for the annual Dux and Anglo American All Rounder awards.

Middlemount principal Sarah Quinn says the school has used the Anglo American grant to buy a new piano and top-tier sound equipment that allowed the school to perform a rendition of the musical the Wizard of Oz for the local community.

The funding also enabled the school to facilitate a regional ‘eisteddfod’ ­­— a traditional Welsh festival and institution— which attracted about 150 competitors from across Central Queensland.

“In recent years, schools across the country have faced significant challenges in maintaining their arts programs, with music education often taking the brunt of budget cuts,” Ms Quinn said.

“However, a remarkable partnership between Anglo American and Middlemount Community School has provided a much-needed boost to the development of our music and arts education, benefiting not only students but also the community and region.

“The grant funding provided by Anglo American has been instrumental in revitalising our school arts program, offering students a unique opportunity to engage with the arts and express their creativity.”

Youth worker Ivan Edeling, who has run Middlemount Youth Centre for more than 12 years, says he has seen firsthand the continuous benefits the centre had for youth in the community.

“With more than 10 years of continuous funding support, Anglo American has truly demonstrated its long-term commitment to mental health and wellness of the youth in Middlemount,” Mr Edeling said.

“The heart of the youth centre has always been to create a safe, positive and inclusive space for high school students to congregate and be themselves.

“Thanks to the Anglo American Community Grants Program, a meal is provided and enjoyed each night the youth centre operates. The music space is enjoyed by many students and the modern lounge area, with projector screen and sound system, allows kids to cheer on their favourite footy team while enjoying a game of pool.”

One of Middlemount’s students, Ellie Wilson, speaks about the positive effects of the grant.

“The youth centre is a place like home that offers support, activities and a sense of community where people can connect and grow freely”.

The youth centre received $15,000 in last year’s grants program.

Applications for Anglo American’s 2025 Community Grants Program are still open until 31 March 2025.