Projects supporting Newcastle’s social, cultural, environmental, and economic development are set to benefit from nearly $1 million in funding from City of Newcastle.
Community and sporting groups, residents, and businesses are encouraged to apply for a share of the funding available through City of Newcastle’s annual grants, sponsorships, and Special Business Rates programs.
City of Newcastle’s Executive Director of Creative and Community Services, Alissa Jones, highlighted that successful projects provide tangible and lasting benefits for the city and its community.
“City of Newcastle’s grants and sponsorship programs support a wide range of initiatives, from recreation facility improvements to community events and creative projects,” Ms Jones said. “Our Special Business Rates program involves businesses and the community in the ongoing enhancement of local precincts.”
“Funding is assessed across several criteria, including economic impact, social cohesion, creativity, and innovation, and is available to events and projects at all stages of development.”
Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, Cr Jenny Barrie, said the funding helps deliver valuable initiatives for the community.
“City of Newcastle invests in diverse initiatives each year that enhance community wellbeing and deliver measurable impacts,” Cr Barrie said. “These projects strengthen the community, improve the city’s identity, and contribute to making Newcastle a better place to live, work, play, and invest.”
Previous grant recipients have included initiatives like Books at the Bowlo by Club Lambton, Summer Runway by Facon Models, and programs creating culturally safe spaces for Aboriginal women through art and film.
Environmental initiatives funded in the past include wildlife habitat enhancement, invasive vine removal, and infrastructure for community gardens. Social inclusion programs, such as mental health and wellness walks and youth outreach programs, have also received support, alongside initiatives tailored for Afghan women and people experiencing homelessness.
The Full Circle Collective, a 2024 recipient of Special Business Rates funding, used the grant to continue their Wallsend Op Shop Trail and related events like the community Clothes Swap, held recently in Wallsend. The event promoted sustainable fashion and the reduction of textile waste by encouraging participants to exchange pre-loved clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Co-founder and Director of The Full Circle Collective, Bianca Bartlett, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Support from City of Newcastle’s Special Business Rates program has enabled us to create fun, inclusive, and sustainable events like the clothes swap. Our goal is to empower the community to take simple steps toward reducing waste while embracing the circular economy.”
Applications for grants and sponsorship funding open on 2 June and close on 29 June. Funding streams include Infrastructure Grants, Community Support Grants, Event Sponsorship, and Tourism and Economic Development Sponsorship.
IMAGE | Councillors and Bianca Bartlett
