Surprise! $120,000 grant drives change for North Queensland youth

At Queensland Youth Services, young people aren’t just taught new skills – they’re given the tools to transform their lives.

Whether it’s learning to drive safely with simulators or mastering woodworking and engineering, these programs aren’t just about gaining practical skills. They’re about unlocking freedom, building confidence and creating new opportunities, from getting to job interviews to pursuing career paths.

Watch the video to hear from the youth, mentors and CEO at Queensland Youth Services – and see their emotional reaction to the $120,000 surprise CommBank Community Grant: 

Queensland Youth Services is one of 175 community organisations to receive part of the $4 million in grants being distributed across Australia. The funds come from the CommBank Staff Foundation through regular salary donations from employees, with these donations then matched by CommBank.

Rebecca Cassidy is a member of the CommBank Staff Foundation and nominated Queensland Youth Services for a grant: “The CommBank Community Grant is so special to me. I donate every fortnight, so part of my pay is matched by CommBank. To know that it has gone not only to one of my clients, but to a regional charity in Townsville, that’s significant for me. I am an advocate for this region, and I’m advocate for QYS because I see the real differences they make.”

For more than 17 years, the CommBank Staff Foundation’s Community Grants program has supported thousands of organisations with over $30 million, helping communities just like this one.

To learn more, visit: commbank.com.au/communitygrants