About Queensland Rail
Queensland Rail has been connecting communities since 1865. In financial year 2025, some 160 years later, we provided more than 55 million customer trips and helped move more than 14 billion gross tonne kilometres of freight across our network. Given the history and breadth of our operations, Queensland Rail recognises that we have an important and ongoing role to contribute to the social and economic wellbeing of the local communities that host our operations.
Queensland Rail’s 160th anniversary (1865 – 2025)
As part of Queensland Rail’s 160th anniversary, we have launched a special community grants fund to help rail heritage operators across the state.
The $160,000 fund will enable organisations to boost their operations and ensure Queensland’s rich rail history lives on for many more generations.
About the 2025 rail heritage grants program
The one-off grants program is open to not-for-profit, Queensland-based rail heritage operators that have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN).
Grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded to rail heritage operators that can demonstrate a clear need for financial support for maintenance and repairs to rollingstock or community rail infrastructure.
To be successful, each applicant must demonstrate that:
- they are a Queensland-based rail heritage operator
- their operations occur solely in Queensland
- they are a not-for-profit organisation
- their project aligns with Queensland Rail’s purpose of “Connecting Communities”
- their project will help advance safe rail heritage operations
- their project will help preserve and showcase Queensland’s rich rail heritage.
Key dates
Grant program opens
| Monday 25 August 2025
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Grant program closes
| Friday 17 October 2025 at 5pm
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Outcomes of program announced
| Monday 17 November 2025
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How to apply
All requests for grants must be lodged by no later than 5pm Friday, 17 October.
More information
An information session about the grants program will be held on Tuesday 2 September from 12:30pm–1:30pm at Queensland Rail offices (Upper Ground, 295 Ann Street, Brisbane), light catering will be provided. A Teams link will also be provided for those who are unable to attend in person.
For all queries about the grants program, or to RSVP for the information session, please contact the Principal Adviser Sponsorships and Community Partnerships via
communitypartnerships@qr.com.au.
Please see the 2025 rail heritage grant information sheet.