Logan charities set to benefit from Mayor's Charity Gala

17 August 2026

A safe bed, a hot meal, a second chance.

Across Logan, the City of Logan Charitable Trust is helping turn community generosity into life-changing support for people who need it most.

Through grants, fundraising and community partnerships, the Trust invests directly in local charities delivering practical help and hope across the city.

As the Trust prepares for the return of the Mayor's Charity Gala on Friday 5 September, Chair Dr John Gilmour says every dollar raised helps to strengthen the Logan community.

'The City of Logan Charitable Trust exists to support local charities that are improving lives right here in Logan,' Dr Gilmour says.

'When our community comes together through events such as the Mayor's Charity Gala, we're able to direct more funding back into grassroots organisations making a real difference every day.'

Here are 8 ways money raised through the Trust is supporting the Logan community.

1. Creating lasting memories for local families

The Trust gifted the Paper Cranes Children’s Foundation $10,000 to enable the organisation to support around 20 Logan families with children facing life-limiting conditions. Funds will be used to support the program, from August this year to April 2027, to help them create personalised keepsakes and meaningful memories while accessing compassionate emotional support.

Above: The Paper Cranes Children's Foundation supports children in Logan who have profound disabilities, complex medical needs, and life-limiting conditions.

2. Empowering young people through music

The Buzz Community Centre can now deliver a youth music engagement program for at-risk youth in Yarrabilba from July to December this year thanks to a $10,000 donation from the Trust. The program provides young people with a safe and inclusive space to develop creative skills, build confidence, and strengthen community connections.

3. Supporting women and children escaping domestic violence

In 2025 the Trust awarded a $5,000 grant to Open Haven to help fund specialist case workers supporting women and children recovering from domestic and family violence. The organisation assists with housing, safety planning, health, employment and emotional wellbeing, helping survivors rebuild their lives with confidence, independence and dignity.

4. Putting food on the table for vulnerable families

The Trust's 2024 grant round provided funding to several organisations tackling food insecurity across Logan, including Serving Our People Inc's free food supermarket and Eagleby Community Association's supermarket voucher program. Funding also supported Eat Up Australia's school lunch program and OzHarvest's nutrition education and skills training initiatives. Almost 40 per cent of the grant funding allocated in that round supported projects focused on food relief.

5.  Building wellbeing through therapy dogs

The Trust’s ongoing $5,000 grant will enable Empower Assistance Dogs to continue regular therapy dog visits across the region, supporting more than 1,000 community members each year. The continued service enhances mental wellbeing across the community, creating opportunities for meaningful interactions, reducing stress, and improving quality of life for participants.

Above: Empower Assistance Dogs breeds, raises and trains government-certified guide, hearing and assistance dogs. Photo credit: KWP Studios.

6. Investing in Logan's young people

Creating brighter futures for young people remains a key focus of the Trust. In 2024, funding supported Operation Backpack through Christmas Presents for Kids in Care, while EM Power Foundation received support for education programs teaching First Nations students about native plants, sustainability and future food sources.

7. Strengthening arts and culture in Logan

The Trust also recognises the important role arts and culture play in building connected communities. In 2025 Logan City Orchestras received funding to purchase instruments and equipment for its growing membership of more than 70 musicians. The support is helping strengthen the orchestra's long-term sustainability while creating more opportunities for local performers and audiences.

8. Building stronger community connections

Last year the Trust launched its first Volunteer Ambassador Program, appointing respected community members to help raise awareness of local causes, advocate for charities and strengthen community connections. The initiative marked a new chapter for the organisation as it seeks to expand its reach and impact across the city.

Above: Logan Mayor Jon Raven and Mayoress Ali Raven with the Logan Symphony Orchestra. Photo credit: KWP Studios.

Deputy Chair and Mayoress Ali Raven says the work of the Trust is only possible because of the generosity of the Logan community.

'Every grant tells a story of hope, resilience and community spirit,' Mayoress Raven says.

'We hope the Mayor's Charity Gala will not only raise vital funds but also shine a spotlight on the incredible charities and volunteers working every day to make a difference in our community.'

Featuring an Enchanted Garden theme, the Mayor's Charity Gala returns for the first time since 2018 at the Beenleigh Events Centre.

Guests will enjoy a 3-course dinner, live entertainment, auctions, raffles and fundraising activities, with proceeds supporting the City of Logan Charitable Trust's work across the community.

Ticket sales close on Thursday 20 August. To book tickets or learn more, visit colct.org.au

Photo at top: The Trust provides ongoing assistance to Empower Assistance Dogs to help provide services for close to 1,000 people each year. Photo credit: KWP Studios.