A diverse range of local community organisations have been given a helping hand, courtesy of the Port of Newcastle’s Your Port, Our Community sponsorship and donations program.
“Toward the end of 2021, Port of Newcastle received a record number of applications for funding support from the Your Port, Our Community sponsorship and donations program, which is indicative of the needs and financial pressure that’s on local organisations helping our community and supporting our environment,” Port of Newcastle, CEO, Craig Carmody said.
“13 truly amazing local organisations were chosen as the worthy recipients of more than $85,000 from Port of Newcastle’s 2021 Your Port, Our Community donations funding pool, with the money allocated to support projects and initiatives they otherwise could not fund.”
“The donations give these organisations some certainty that they can continue their life-changing educational and advocacy work within our community in 2022 and beyond” Craig explained.
The Your Port, Our Community Sponsorship and Donations Program is in addition to the more than $1 million the Port of Newcastle provides annually to The Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund, which is administered by the NSW Government.
These significant funding initiatives form a key part of the Port’s commitment to enhancing social, economic, and environmental outcomes for the Hunter Region and NSW.
The 13 organisations supported through this year’s Your Port, Our Community Sponsorship Program funding were:
- Friends of School Master’s House Ash Island for the Ash Island Revegetation Program.
- Jenny’s Place Domestic Violence Service for critical building and service improvement works.
- Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council to support the Hunter Estuary Wetlands mangrove removal program.
- Go Circular to support the establishment of a circular economy youth development and education program.
- Newcastle Men’s Shed to fund a 3D printer for a high school STEM mentoring program.
- Hunter Wetlands Centre to fund educational signage for its Bush Tucker Garden.
- On a Floating World to support an education and event series about Newcastle’s coastline and waterways.
- Stockton Historical Society to fund a historical signage project in Stockton.
- Curious Legends to fund family targeted theatre performances and workshops highlighting trash and sustainability issues and impacts.
- Hunter Hurricanes to support the Australian Water Polo League competition held in Newcastle.
- Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club to fund lifejackets and equipment for the Little Tackers learn to sail program.
- Newcastle Rowing Club to fund the course survey for the annual regatta.
- Stockton Community Group to fund a portable data projector for local community meetings.
Newcastle Men’s Shed representative, Wayne Grant, said the Port of Newcastle’s support for their local high schools mentoring program will encourage and engage local students in STEM career pathways through the purchase of fifth-generation 3D printing technology.
“Through this program we aim to provide students with a wider outlook on their capabilities and encourage them aspire to future STEM opportunities in education, employment, and career pathways by applying these skills in achievable employment pathways for example those industries that use CNC machines,” Wayne said.
Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, Sailing Academy Manager, Jacqueline Ellis, said the Port’s support has already enabled the Club to upgrade life jackets and other equipment for their learn to sail program.
“We are so thankful for the support from Port of Newcastle to assist us in purchasing children’s lifejackets for our Little Tackers learn-to-sail program.”
“We have had so many kids come through our fun courses that our jackets have had many, many hours of use and the Port’s support has enabled us to upgrade our life jackets.”
“Our Little Tackers learn to sail program encourages more children to get out on the beautiful Newcastle Harbour and give sailing a try,” Jacqueline said.
Community groups and organisations can contact Port of Newcastle regarding the next round of funding by contacting the team at community@portofnewcastle.com.au.
IMAGE | Your Port, Our Community group.
