Kinetic announces 2025 Moving Communities Fund recipients across Australia and New Zealand

• 47 organisations have been awarded grants totalling $180,000 in cash support to support grassroots community initiatives
• Over 700 grant applications received for the Moving Communities Fund’s 2025 round - the second round in Australia and first in New Zealand 

Australia and New Zealand’s largest bus operator Kinetic has announced the recipients of its Moving Communities Fund, with 47 organisations receiving monetary grants of up to $10,000 to support vital community programs. 

The fund supports grassroots initiatives that champion youth and disadvantaged groups, promote equity and inclusion, and address pressing local needs. 
 
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the quality and diversity of applications from both sides of the Tasman,” said Kinetic Group CEO Michael Sewards. 

“As a company that connects communities daily, supporting these grassroots initiatives feels like a natural extension of our work. 
 
“We're confident that every dollar invested will create meaningful, lasting change in communities that need it most.” 
 
From over 700 applications, we’ve selected organisations that truly embody community spirit.  

New Zealand’s inaugural round will benefit organisations addressing diverse local needs including social welfare and human rights, healthcare, arts and culture. 
 
In Australia’s second funding round, recipients will tackle everything from youth mental health programs and nutritional school meals to improving public transport accessibility.  
 
Kinetic’s Head of Sustainability and Community Engagement Angela Leung said the breadth of applications demonstrated the vital role grassroots organisations play in building stronger communities. 
 
“These organisations are the backbone of their communities, often working with limited resources to address complex challenges,” she said. 
 
“With our footprint as Australia and New Zealand’s bus operator, we have a social role to play to provide that boost so they can focus on what they do best: making a difference where it matters most.” 
 
Orange Sky Aotearoa, a New Zealand recipient of the Moving Communities Fund, will use the funding to keep its vans, pods, and laundries running, ensuring they can continue providing free laundry, warm showers, and a safe, welcoming space for people experiencing homelessness and hardship. 
 
"We value building strong connections with local communities, and through the incredibly generous donation by Kinetic, we can continue to provide our essential services of clean laundry, safe showers and positive connection for the growing number of Kiwi's experiencing homelessness and hardship,” said Orange Sky Aotearoa Fundraising and Development Manager Louise Phillips.  

“This funding will help us meet the growing need we are seeing and support our incredible tūao (volunteers) to keep showing up day after day, week after week.  

“At the heart of our kaupapa is enhancing dignity and mana – and we are truly thankful for this support.” 

This funding covers essential equipment, maintenance, insurance, and volunteer support, helping Orange Sky maintain consistent services for those doing it tough. 

The Northern Autism Network Inc is another recipient of this year’s Moving Communities Fund. With the funds received, and in collaboration with Kinetic’s Accessibility team, the Northern Autism Network will seek to improve accessibility and increase the utilisation of bus-based public transport for those with autism.

"We are excited to partner with Kinetic on an issue that is so important to our community: the need to feel confident and safe about getting on a bus,” said Northern Autism Network Inc Founder Lisa Petersen.

“Access to public transport is a key to independence and autonomy for autistic young people.

"This project will showcase inclusion opportunities to make everyday journeys safer, more reliable, and less stressful for all bus users." 

Congratulations to the 2025 Moving Communities Fund recipients: 

New Zealand: 

• CCS Disability
• Circability Trust
• Community Research 
• Diamonds in the Rough
• EVolocity
• Life Education Trust Heartland Otago
• LifeSkills
• Moana Vā, Navigators of Pacific Pride
• Orange Sky
• Otago Wheelchair Rugby Inc
• Papamoa Community Patrol
• Special Olympics North Otago Trust
• Springlands Sea Scouts Group
• Wairarapa Road Safety Council
• Youth Voices Action (YVA)
• YWCA Auckland  

Australia: 

• A Better Life For Foster Kids (VIC)
• Blue Surf Australia (QLD)
• Bori Muy LTD (QLD)
• Bundaberg Athletic Club (QLD)
• Defence Kidz (SA)
• Djirra (VIC)
• Emerge Youth (QLD)
• EMUsicians Primary Music Program (TAS)
• Garbutt Bombers (QLD)
• Gladstone Region engaging in action together (QLD)
• Kalamunda Rangers (WA)
• Kanyini (Hoofbeats Sanctuary) (QLD)
• Kevin Heinze GROW (VIC)
• Kings Meadows High School (TAS)
• Lake Monger Primary School (WA)
• Leichhardt Junior Soccer Club (QLD)
• Northern Autism Network (VIC)
• PCYC Tweed Heads (QLD)
• PINT Cricket Club (NT)
• Port Curtis Harbour Watch (QLD)
• RISE Mackay (QLD)
• Road Accident Action Group (QLD)
• Rosie's Readings (TAS)
• Rotary Club of South Gladstone (QLD)
• Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre (VIC)
• St John Ambulance NT (NT)
• Sunshine Butterflies (QLD)
• The Shepherd Centre - For Deaf Children (TAS)
• Townsville High School (QLD)
• Vinnies WA (WA)
• Western Districts Junior Rugby (QLD)