The Eastern Star Foundation has once again announced its largest-ever philanthropic grant round, distributing more than $464,000 to nine charities working to improve the lives of older Queenslanders. The 2026 round expands the Foundation’s reach with four new grant recipients including OzHarvest, Epilepsy Action Australia, The Belinda McGowan Foundation and Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland, alongside ongoing support previously pledged through multi-year funding for five charities already partnering with the Foundation.
Eastern Star Foundation Chair Nigel Faull said this year’s funding reflects a commitment to programs that strengthen the health, connections, dignity and independence of older people across the state.
“Every year, we see the difference our grant recipients make, and this year we wanted to go even further. These grants are about ensuring older Queenslanders can stay connected, stay informed, and stay in control of their lives,” Mr Faull said.
“The charities we are supporting are delivering practical, compassionate programs, whether that’s improving nutrition, providing specialised health resources, supporting end‑of‑life comfort, or creating opportunities for social connection. We are honoured to help expand their impact.”
Among the new recipients, OzHarvest has received $49,500 to deliver nine Nutrition Education Skills Training (NEST) programs across South East Queensland, supporting up to 100 older people experiencing food insecurity. With fewer than 10 per cent of Queenslanders aged 65 and over eating the recommended amount of vegetables, NEST combines nutrition education, hands‑on cooking, and shared meals to build food literacy, improve dietary choices, and reduce social isolation. The program is also adaptable for First Nations communities, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, and people with limited English literacy.
Epilepsy Action Australia has been awarded $16,280 to develop an evidence‑based interactive, digital self‑management toolkit specifically designed for women aged 65 and over living with epilepsy. Late‑onset epilepsy is significantly more common in older adults, yet resources tailored to ageing women are almost non‑existent. The new toolkit will translate complex medical information into practical guidance on the impacts of seizures and anti-seizure medications on bone health, fall prevention, medication interactions and cognitive wellbeing. It will also include interactive features that adapt to individual health circumstances and provide self‑advocacy tools to help women communicate effectively with their healthcare providers.
The Belinda McGowan Foundation will use its $34,796 grant to purchase three cuddle beds for aged care facilities in Oakey, Clifton and Charleville. These specialised beds allow families to lie beside loved ones during end‑of‑life care, offering comfort, closeness and the opportunity for meaningful final moments. The Foundation has been installing cuddle beds across rural, regional and remote communities, where access to palliative care resources is often limited, and the new installations will extend this support to three more facilities closely connected to local hospitals and community health services.
COTA Queensland has received $50,000 to produce Living Well with Confidence: A Practical Guide for Older Women in Queensland, co‑designed with the Queensland Country Women’s Association. The guide will support women aged over 65 who are facing financial or social vulnerability, covering key topics such as financial stress, rental rights, housing options, income changes, safe decision‑making, work or volunteering pathways, and essential health costs. The project also includes short explainer videos and an online launch, with distribution through QCWA branches, neighbourhood centres, libraries, and community organisations.
As part of the Foundation’s ongoing multi‑year commitments, Queenslanders living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) will continue to benefit from a $50,000 grant—the second year of a three‑year commitment supporting the Free Equipment for the Over 65s project. This initiative provides essential equipment that improves independence, communication, and social connection.
Elderly War Widows across Queensland will benefit from a further $92,070 to the Legacy Club of Brisbane, the second year of a three‑year arrangement (reviewed annually). The funding helps support their complex case management and the 40 Laurel Socialisation Clubs serving more than 400 elderly members. Legacy also received $91,998 from the Foundation in 2025.
Happy Paws Happy Hearts Foundation has received $90,813 for the second year of a three‑year arrangement (reviewed annually) to continue its “Hearts and Paws Connect” Intergenerational Ageing Program, which also received $93,478 in 2025. The program brings together older people, socially isolated youth, and rescue animals—creating magical moments of connection—and has expanded to include older veteran groups and additional aged care facilities.
The Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) will receive $61,400 as the second year of a three‑year commitment (reviewed annually) for its Health and Wellbeing Program, following last year’s grant of $15,700. The program brings QSO ensembles to aged care facilities across Queensland and delivers two large annual performances for older audiences, offering wide‑ranging wellbeing benefits. QSO continues to build an evaluation framework with Griffith University to measure the impact of the Program.
A further $20,000 grant to Dreams2Live4, now in its second year of a three‑year commitment, will help more Queensland women with advanced cancer rediscover and experience their dreams, providing emotional relief and renewed resilience.
Mr Faull said the Foundation remains committed to partnerships that create measurable, meaningful change.
“These grants reflect our belief that ageing should be supported with dignity, connection and opportunity. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of these programs in communities right across Queensland.”
