How community impact initiatives create local change
Community impact initiatives help organisations create meaningful local change by supporting the people, services and charities that communities rely on every day.
These initiatives often take the form of community engagement programs that connect businesses and organisations with local charities, helping address genuine community needs through practical action and community partnerships.
Through Community Quest 2026, ETC leaders worked with five Gold Coast organisations to provide practical support where it was needed most.
The initiative demonstrated how community partnerships and practical action can strengthen communities while supporting organisations making a difference every day.
Held as part of ETC’s annual Leadership Conference, the challenge gave five teams a local organisation, a clear budget and a shared mission: use every dollar wisely, work against the clock and deliver support where it was needed most.
With a total challenge budget of $10,000, split evenly across the five teams, leaders turned limited resources into practical outcomes for people experiencing hardship.
Community Quest was about more than shopping lists. It gave leaders the opportunity to build connections, better understand local challenges and support organisations that strengthen the community every day.
Five organisations supported through ETC’s community impact initiatives
This year’s Community Quest supported five local community organisations:
Each organisation identified specific needs, helping each team focus its efforts on practical support that could create meaningful impact.
Watch ETC’s Community Quest 2026!
Supporting young people experiencing homelessness
One team partnered with Youth Outreach, part of the Gold Coast Project for Homeless Youth, to create welcome bags for young people arriving for their first night in shelter accommodation.
The bags included toiletries, snacks, journals and comfort items. Each one was designed to help young people feel more prepared and supported during a difficult time.
Youth Outreach supports young people aged 16 to 25 who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Through accommodation and support programs, the organisation helps young people work towards greater stability and independence.
Providing practical support for individuals and families
Another team supported Havafeed, a long-standing Gold Coast organisation that provides food relief and community connection for people experiencing hardship.
The team assembled hygiene packs and grocery supplies to be distributed directly to individuals and families in need.
These practical items helped ease everyday pressures while giving Havafeed additional resources to continue supporting the local community.
Creating a welcoming space at Set Free Care
At Set Free Care, the team focused on both practical supplies and improving the environment for people accessing support.
The team refreshed a dedicated mental health and meeting space, creating a more welcoming area for visitors. They also provided pantry items and essential supplies for people using the service.
Set Free Care has supported vulnerable members of the Southport community since 1996 through meals, food assistance, community programs and pathways to further support.
The refreshed space will continue to benefit visitors beyond Community Quest 2026.
Helping people through times of crisis
For the team supporting St John’s Crisis Centre, the focus was on emergency supplies for people experiencing hardship.
The organisation requested sleeping supplies, pantry staples and practical necessities that could be distributed directly to people in crisis.
St John’s Crisis Centre has supported Gold Coast locals for more than 44 years, providing food relief, emergency assistance and practical support to thousands of people each year.
Bringing comfort to children and families
The final team partnered with Let’s Give to create gift packs for babies and young children experiencing difficult circumstances.
Each care pack included essential items and age-appropriate gifts, helping bring comfort, hope and a sense of joy to children and families facing hardship.
This activity showed how thoughtful, practical support can make a meaningful difference for families going through challenging times.
Community partnerships that create lasting impact
Throughout Community Quest 2026, teams worked together to purchase supplies, complete their missions and connect directly with community leaders and volunteers.
The experience gave ETC leaders greater insight into the challenges faced by local organisations and the people they support.
By working alongside community groups, leaders saw how community partnerships, practical action and teamwork can create meaningful community impact.
Community impact initiatives supporting local communities
Community Quest is one of ETC’s community impact initiatives, showing how practical action and community partnerships can help build stronger local communities.
Across the day, teams supported young people experiencing homelessness, helped stock food relief services, provided emergency supplies, improved community spaces and created care packs for children.
The result was a day of teamwork, generosity and purpose. Community Quest 2026 showed what can be achieved when people come together to support local organisations and meet genuine community needs.
Community Quest is just one example of ETC’s commitment to supporting stronger communities. Through initiatives such as the Community Support Fund and partnerships with local organisations, ETC continues to invest in practical support that helps communities thrive. Learn more About ETC and our commitment to creating positive difference in our communities.
You can also read about ETC’s previous Community Quest and how these community impact initiatives have supported local organisations.
