$1 million in funding available for Newcastle Port projects
Community groups and businesses in Newcastle have an opportunity to shape the city’s future with two weeks left to apply for $1 million in funding through the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund.
Eligible applicants have until Monday 1 December 2025 to apply for grants of between $10,000 and $250,000 for projects that enhance the environment, public spaces, community infrastructure, heritage restoration, activation, smart technology, events or tourism.
Following community feedback and collaboration with key stakeholders, the NSW Government has streamlined the funding process to make it easier for applicants and to ensure projects deliver the greatest possible benefit to the community.
The fund aims to deliver projects that:
- Foster stronger community bonds
- Enhance accessibility and participation
- Boost visitation and activation
- Celebrate culture, creativity and heritage
- Improve public, environmental and business infrastructure
Recent rounds have funded projects such as upgrades to Soul Hub, which provides vital services to disadvantaged people, new public art installations along Cottage Creek and a digital restoration of Delprat Cottage that transports visitors through the site’s past, present and future.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Executive Director Harriet Whyte said the Newcastle commuity has a unique opportunity to bring forward projects that celebrate the city’s identity and create lasting benefits for residents and visitors.
“This fund has supported everything from public art and heritage restoration to upgrades for community facilities and spaces,” Ms Whyte said.
“We’ve seen how these projects strengthen community pride, support local jobs and help attract more visitors to the harbour and CBD and we’re keen to see even more local ideas take shape.”
Former Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund recipient Matthew Ortiger said funding allowed his organisation Soul Hub to fit out its new premises, increasing its ability to serve vulnerable people, including the homeless, lonely and mentally unwell people of Newcastle.
“Soul Hub received $500,000 in a previous round of the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund,” Mr Ortiger said.
“Soul Hub is committed to being more than a meal and delivers a wide range of judgement-free help and support to everyone who comes through our doors, including anything from haircuts and laundry services to much needed appointments with doctors, chiropractors and social workers.”
“We are deeply grateful for the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund and to all our generous supporters who made our new home in the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation building possible.”
“On behalf of all our guests, we would like to say a big thank you!”
For more information, including program guidelines and eligibility criteria, visit here.
A webinar on the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund can be found here.