Port of Newcastle is inviting community groups to apply for funding via its Community Partnerships Program.

Port of Newcastle’s Community Partnership Program has supported a variety of community projects, from the local Soul Café feeding homeless and disadvantaged community members, to neighbouring surf lifesaving clubs providing community first aid training and programs for children with autism.

The port aims to assist local groups or organisations who are looking for a helping hand with their community project or event.

Since it commenced operation in mid-2014, Port of Newcastle has provided more than $580,000 to educational, environmental, welfare, arts and cultural projects.

Port of Newcastle’s CEO, Geoff Crowe, said Port of Newcastle is committed to supporting projects that invest in the region’s future and make a measurable difference to the lives of people within the local community.

“Since the first commercial shipment from Port of Newcastle in 1799, the port and the city of Newcastle have grown and prospered together,” said Geoff.

“Our Community Partnerships Program allows us to partner with and support the groups and volunteers that make such a tremendous contribution to our community.”

Variety, Newcastle Micro Theatre, Newcastle Writers Festival, Kooragang Landcare Group, Curious Legends, CityServe 2016 and local schools and lifesaving clubs were the recipients of funding through the Community Partnerships Program in 2016.

The duration of each partnership will be up to one year and recipients will be selected by a panel comprising Port of Newcastle staff.

IMAGE | In 2016 Port of Newcastle funded a new barbeque trailer for Variety – the Children’s Charity through its Community Partnership Program.