Port of Newcastle has awarded $100,000 in grants to seven deserving community organisations through its 2024 Your Port, Our Community grants program. The recipients represent a wide range of initiatives, from mental health and multicultural support to environmental sustainability, all contributing to a thriving and vibrant Hunter region.
Executive Manager Corporate Affairs, Lucas Coleman, expressed the Port’s pride in continuing its commitment to local communities, reinforcing the importance of supporting projects and services that benefit the wider community.
“We’re proud to continue our commitment to the community within the Port’s catchment area through our Your Port, Our Community grants program. This latest $100,000 investment supports vital initiatives that align with our values and contribute to the overall success and wellbeing of our region,” Mr. Coleman said.
Lifeline Direct, which provides critical mental health and crisis support, received $10,000 from the grants program. Joshua Schultz, Corporate and Community Partnerships Coordinator for Lifeline Direct, acknowledged the increased demand for their services, with the busiest day on record occurring in October 2024, handling 3,500 calls and 905 text requests.
“Funding from the Your Port, Our Community grants program will enable Lifeline Hunter to continue supporting those in need, answering over 250 calls locally,” said Mr. Schultz.
In addition to Lifeline Direct, the grants have been distributed across various initiatives:
- The Full Circle Collective received funding to support the Repair Café, a free service that promotes sustainability by repairing goods, reducing waste, and encouraging reuse.
- A Splash of Colour Swimming will run two 12-week learn-to-swim programs for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) adults, also enhancing the team with new resources for volunteer coordination and registrations.
- Life Education NSW will provide vital preventative health programs through Healthy Harold to approximately 750 disadvantaged students at local schools.
- Nobbys Surf Lifesaving Club received funds for a new multipurpose trailer and equipment racking systems for life-saving equipment, including boards for flood rescue response.
- The Water Talk Exhibition will host public talks and yarns led by Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledge holders and scientists, sharing environmental insights about the Port and the Coquun River, led by the University of Newcastle.
- Hunter Innovation and Science Hub will provide eco-friendly boat resources to schools and participate in the Hunter EV Festival.
- Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation received funding for its Lawn Maintenance and Gardening Care program, supporting individuals undergoing treatment and their families for two years.
The $100,000 grants are in addition to the $1 million Port of Newcastle contributes annually to the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund, administered by the NSW Government.
To learn more about the Your Port, Our Community grants program, visit Port of Newcastle’s website for further details.
IMAGE | Port of Newcastle Executive Manager Corporate Affairs Lucas Coleman and Lifeline Direct Corporate and Community Partnerships Coordinator Joshua Schultz.
