Mike Carney Group Making A Difference in Townsville

Community giving and a strong commitment by staff are central to the culture that Chris Carney and his team have built at Mike Carney Group.

Mike Carney Group is recognised as one of the leading Toyota dealerships in Australia and has been established in Townsville since 1987. It has become a signature motor vehicle dealership and business in North Queensland proudly supporting a range of community organisations and events.

Group business development manager Porzhia Jacobsen says the business has a structured program where staff have an opportunity throughout the year to get involved with a charity or community organisation that means something to them. 

Porzhia says, “We became involved with the Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation last year through attending one of the Foundation’s fundraising breakfasts.

“We were able to see one of our work experience students graduate from the mentoring program, and were wowed by all the good things the Foundation does for young people.

“Our HR manager and I started chatting at the breakfast and with the support of our leadership team we decided we wanted to get involved and allow staff to volunteer for the mentoring programs.”

Mike Carney Group staff are participating as mentors in the Foundation’s Onwards & Upwards mentoring programs this year at Heatley Secondary College. 

Onwards & Upwards is the flagship self-development program from the Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation created to support young people and adults in need.

Through one-on-one mentoring, the program works to inspire participants to imagine, plan, and achieve a more satisfying, balanced, and brighter future.

Porzhia has herself mentored a student this year and valued the connection which was made.

“It’s very rewarding to make a connection with a young person, hear their stories, and listen and offer support as they complete the mentoring program. 

“We have developed a great relationship with founder John Godwin. It’s so great to see John’s passion and vision shine through with his team’s care and genuine concern for our young people in the Townsville region, and the impact Inspiring Brighter Futures is making.”

In addition to providing mentors for the programs, Mike Carney Group generously provides a vehicle for the Foundation’s use when required in Townsville. 

Last Thursday, Kelly Carney co-hosted a Mental Health Awareness & Trauma-Informed Support Workshop with Inspiring Brighter Futures’ mental health awareness facilitator and community engagement leader, Jodi Brown. 

Kelly is an experienced mental health clinician and trauma‑informed leader with over a decade of experience across health and justice settings. The Townsville workshop is designed to build awareness, confidence and practical understanding around mental health, trauma-informed support and working well with young people.

Porzhia Jacobsen says that other community support from the Mike Carney Group team includes staff getting involved with the Careers Expo in Townsville, supporting NRL Cowboys House with raffle ticket selling, and raising over $100,000 for breast cancer support through their Lexus of Townsville Gala Ball. 

Alongside our major partner Mike Carney Group, we are incredibly grateful to Affinity RES (Rachel Ramsay), Vivid Loans (Andoni Comino), Raine & Horne Robina Mudgeeraba (Alex Hudson) and Novare Wealth (Leighton Fah), who generously contributed through their businesses to help cover event costs.

The Foundation’s eight-week Onwards & Upwards mentoring program, making a difference in the lives of at-risk youth, is being delivered in Townsville by community leaders and volunteer mentors to students at Heatley Secondary College, Pimlico State High School, Townsville State High School, Northern Beaches State High School and Thuringowa State High School.

The Foundation welcomes new mentors. To register your interest and to find out more, please visit inspiringbrighterfutures.com 

You can make a general donation to Inspiring Brighter Futures and know that you’re directly improving the well-being and future of people in our community who need it the most.

The Foundation plans to hold over 80 programs in 2026 in Queensland, with its more than 730 active volunteer mentors focusing on its core groups of young people facing challenges, emerging student leaders, and job seekers.  It has also recently launched its Towards a Brighter Future – Apprenticeship Support Program, focusing on apprenticeship retention in the local area.

For more information, visit: inspiringbrighterfutures.com
ENDS media enquiries to Brenton Gibbs 0419 828440 [email protected]