Regional community groups, charities and sporting teams may soon be able to take free flights across the nation, following a multi-million dollar announcement from QantasLink this week.
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Delivered in $1 million increments over five years, grants will be distributed to regional-based not-for-profit community groups, projects and charities.
Returning to his home city on Friday, CEO John Gissing made the announcement on the oval of his alma mater, Mount Austin High School.
"I remember one season [in my youth], I played four codes - NRL, AFL, hockey and soccer," he said.
"But it was also quite difficult to get around when we needed to play in places like Temora or Culcairn. There were seven kids in my family and one car, often difficult to get around."
Mr Gissing said it was his personal experience that formed the backbone of the decision to donate the funds.
"But they are relatively short distances. Right across regional Australia, the tyranny of distance makes it very difficult for the community to come together in a whole bunch of ways.
"My sporting experience reminds me that there is a responsibility to try to close down those distances where we can."
Joining Mr Gissing in Wagga was the deputy prime minister, Riverina MP and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional development.
"QantasLink wants to get onboard and help these organisations to be their best selves," he said.
"To get them to other places, to other destinations if their travel requires it. For organisations requiring somebody to be moved in a health capacity, this is going to benefit this generosity."
The funding will take the form of cash, marketing support and free flights, with the first beneficiaries to include Wagga's Clontarf Foundation.
As a national entity, the foundation has partnered with the airline for up to a decade, and Wagga's staff see it as a concrete return on the affiliation.
Currently there are 6000 Indigenous students in Clontarf programs around the country, but with expectations to grow that to 10,000 in the next year.
There are 92 students in the Wagga program, with between four and six graduating every year since operation began in 2014.
Next year will see a record number of graduates from Mount Austin with 15 boys expected to head to the annual end of year celebration.
"It's a thing we do every year, last year the boys chose to go to the Torres Strait and they talked it up so much that we're heading back there again this year," said director Pat Edmunds.
"For sure, we'll be flying Qantas in November."
Community groups and organisations can apply for funding until the end of August via qantas.com/regionalgrants.