Port of Newcastle awards $100,000 in grants to deserving community organisations

intouch Magazine
5 hours ago
3 min read

Port of Newcastle Executive Manager Corporate Affairs Lucas Coleman and Lifeline Direct Corporate and Community Partnerships Coordinator Joshua Schultz

Initiatives that educate and support multicultural and First Nations communities, promote environmental sustainability, and provide vital mental health wellbeing support to the Hunter region and beyond are just some of the projects to receive funding under Port of Newcastle’s 2024 Your Port, Our Community grants program.

Executive Manager Corporate Affairs, Lucas Coleman, said seven charities and not-for-profit organisations have been awarded a share of $100,000 across three categories for projects, services, and initiatives that promote a vibrant and thriving port 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.

“It’s exceptionally rewarding to see the difference funding from previous years has made to people in our community, and we are thrilled to be able to again support a number of returning organisations, giving them the financial certainty to continue their important work, while also funding new projects that will deliver ongoing social and environmental benefits."

Lifeline Direct has received around $10,000 to continue its vital work in the community, providing mental health and crisis support from its Islington call centre.

Lifeline Direct Corporate and Community Partnerships Coordinator, Joshua Schultz, said the service has experienced unprecedented demand over the last year, with October 7 2024 being its busiest day on record with 3500 calls and 905 text requests.

“Lifeline Hunter exists to ensure that no person in Australia has to face their toughest moments alone, and we are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of Port of Newcastle,” Mr Schultz said.

“Funding from the Your Port, Our Community grants program will enable Lifeline Hunter to answer over 250 calls from Novocastians and further afield, to the 13 11 14 national crisis line.”

The $100,000 in grant funding is in addition to the $1 million Port of Newcastle provides annually to the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund, which is administrated by the NSW Government.

The seven organisations to receive funding under the 2024 Your Port, Our Community grants program are:

Lifeline Direct to fund Lifeline Hunter to answer 256 local calls from its Islington call centre, helping meet unprecedented demand on the service.
The Full Circle Collective to support the Repair Café, a free service that promotes sustainability by extending the life of goods and reducing waste.
A Splash of Colour Swimming to run two 12-week learn to swim programs for CALD adults focusing on basic skills, pool etiquette, and swimwear options. The funding will also equip two new team members with essential tools for registrations, data management, and volunteer coordination.
Life Education NSW to provide 10 days of free Healthy Harold vital preventative health and mental wellbeing program sessions to approximately 750 disadvantaged students at targeted local schools.
Nobbys Surf Lifesaving Club for the purchase of a new multipurpose trailer and racking systems to transport life-saving equipment including nipper boards, inflatable rescue boats, and equipment for flood rescue response.
The Water Talk exhibition, a series of public talks and yarns with Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledge holders, environmental scientists, and geospatial and cultural practitioners, showcasing attributes of the Port and the Coquun River. Delivered by University of Newcastle.
Hunter Innovation and Science Hub, to provide eco-friendly boat resources to primary and high schools and run an event at the Hunter EV Festival.
Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation to fund its Lawn Maintenance and Gardening Care program for people undergoing treatment and their families (two-year agreement).