Community groups called to join Mayor’s Christmas Appeal in 2025

The Mayor’s Christmas Appeal is back in 2025, and Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney is calling on local charities and organisations to register their interest to headline this year’s appeal.

Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said for almost four decades the Appeal has been supporting locals facing financial hardship during the festive season in various formats, from supplying toys, food hampers and vouchers.

The 2025 Appeal will focus on monetary donations, as well as goods to support a local charity or organisation selected by the Mayor.

“I’m thrilled we’re seeking expressions of interest from our local charities and organisations to be a part of the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal in 2025,” Cr Greaney said.

“This year the Christmas Appeal will focus on monetary donations to a community organisation to support people in trying times during the Christmas period within our Townsville region.

“When applying, community organisations can also express whether they are also seeking donations of goods directly.

“We know people are doing it tough and this time of year can often be quite difficult for many in our community, so this year we’re choosing a single organisation that is local and able to best distribute donations to support people experiencing financial hardship over the Christmas period.”

Councillor Greaney said it was important Council could continue to facilitate a long-held tradition of giving during the Christmas period.

“We realise how important this appeal is to our community and that it continues in some capacity,” she said.

“That’s why in the years to come we are spreading the love and supporting an individual organisation so they are best able to make a more impactful contribution that will provide benefits in both the short and long term.

“We realise that during this time of year there are a lot of competing Christmas campaigns when it comes to community organisations, so this is about giving them space to do their thing, while Council supports our community in a targeted way.”

Councillor Greaney said Council would continue supporting a number of local community organisations throughout the Christmas period through its Christmas Together initiative where 25 community groups can secure a $1,000 grant to bring people together.

“Christmas should be the most wonderful time of the year, but for many people it’s the loneliest time,” Cr Greaney said.

“Not-for-profit organisations can apply now for up to $1,000 of funding to host an event to encourage connections and promote compassion and kindness this Christmas.

“To apply, all you need to do is tell Council how you will bring people who may feel isolated or those in need of support together, connect with your community and reduce loneliness this festive season.”

Expressions of Interest to community organisations wishing to be considered as a recipient for the 2025 Mayor’s Christmas Appeal close at 11:59pm on Friday 7 November 2025.

Visit the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal website to register your organisation’s interest to be considered as a recipient of the 2025 Mayor’s Christmas Appeal, as well as those wishing to make a donation.

For more information on how to apply for Council’s Christmas Together program, visit our webpage.