Community groups, residents and business owners are being given the chance to share in almost $900,000 from City of Newcastle to enhance the culture, environment, and economy of Newcastle.

City of Newcastle’s grants and sponsorships program covers a range of initiatives such as community support, sustainability, the environment and event sponsorship.

Funding through City of Newcastle’s Special Business Rate program will be allocated to projects that support the promotion, beautification and development of Wallsend and Hamilton, prior to applications opening for the City Centre later this year.

Newcastle Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes said funding can be used for a wide range of activities and projects.

“This is the community’s chance to secure grants for initiatives that improve our local way of life,” Nuatali said.

“Our grants and sponsorships program can also help to alleviate the cost of living crisis with funding for things such as social inclusion.

“Last year our funding helped Grainery Care maintain an Outdoor Foodcare Delivery Space, allowed the University of Newcastle to create an employment clinic for the newly arrived migrants and maintain a student grocery hub.

“Our environmental and sustainability grants helped Apnom, a sustainable technology developer, create a program aimed at saving energy while maintaining food security and community nutrition, assisted the Diocese of Newcastle with the operation of a community garden, and funded Newcastle’s first Community Textile Recovery Hub at Wallsend.

“Our Special Business Rate program is an important way of involving businesses and the community in the continued improvement of their local precincts.

“It’s played a part in the Newcastle Fringe Festival at Hamilton, Streets Alive Wallsend and the Wallsend Op Shop Trail.

“The funding for projects in Wallsend and Hamilton will be assessed on their impact, creativity, and innovation.”

Hockey NSW secured $20,000 from last year’s major events funding to host the Regional Challenge in Newcastle.

Competitions Manager, Nathan Walker said Hockey NSW is extremely grateful for the support.

“We’ve formed a great relationship with City of Newcastle that’s allowed us to bring premier events to the region and utilise one of the best hockey facilities in Australia,” Nathan said.

“The funding helps Hockey NSW grow existing tournaments and by strengthening our relationship we hope to attract world class events to the Newcastle International Hockey Centre in the future.”

Hamilton and Wallsend SBR funding expressions of interest close 23 June.

Applications for the grants and sponsorships program close 30 June.

Funding streams include Infrastructure Grants which target minor capital activities including Recreation Facilities Grants and Façade Improvement Grants.

Community Support Grants support community-based groups, sport and recreation clubs, and service organisations to enhance community services through Arts, Culture and History Grants, Social Inclusion Grants and Youth Climate Action Grants.

The Event Sponsorship Program provides a mechanism to promote active and vibrant spaces, attract local and out of region visitation and enhance Newcastle’s profile and reputation as an events city and includes General Sponsorships, Major Sponsorships, Incubator Sponsorships and Business Events Sponsorships.

Tourism and Economic Development sponsorships target activities and initiatives that provide economic benefit through enabling skills, innovation, vibrant places and spaces, and business event attraction.

IMAGE | Newcastle Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes with a previous recipient of a City of Newcastle grants and sponsorships funding allocation.