Grants open for port communities across the Hunter and Northern Rivers regions

Local organisations doing important work across the Hunter and Northern Rivers regions are being encouraged to apply for up to $5,000 in the latest round of Port Authority of NSW’s Community Grants Program, which opens today (26 March 2026).

 

Funding is available to support eligible projects that strengthen community connections, promote sustainability, or enhance the wellbeing of people living and working in port communities.

 

Last year, the Program funded nine community-led projects across six port communities in NSW, including free swimming clinics run by Swimming NSW in Yamba, Newcastle and Maitland, as well as the Making Waves program in Newcastle, to support at risk youths learn maritime skills and build confidence.   

 

Port Authority Head of Regional Ports Peter Ernst said the Community Grants Program reflects Port Authority’s commitment to the communities it serves.

 

“Our ports operate at the heart of local communities, and it’s important to us that we give back in a way that creates real, lasting benefits, including for the millions of people who live around the Port of Newcastle and Yamba.

 

“For many of these groups, a relatively small amount of funding can be the catalyst that brings a vital program to life, improves safety, or allows services to reach more people, as we saw through the benefits delivered during the last round of the Program.

 

“We encourage eligible groups to apply for this latest round of funding.”

 

Swimming NSW Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer James Hickman said swimming is a vital life skill, particularly for people living and spending time around our ports and waterways.

 

“The Port Authority of NSW grant allowed us to deliver free youth swimming clinics for 108 swimmers and support the development of eight local coaches - opportunities that simply wouldn’t have been possible without this funding,” Mr Hickman said.

 

“Programs like this create meaningful, lasting outcomes by improving water safety, building confidence and ensuring people of all backgrounds and abilities can access high‑quality, community‑focused swimming education in our port communities.”

 

Grant applications are open until 5 May 2026 with successful recipients will be announced early July.

 

For more information or to apply for the Port Authority Community Grants program, visit Community grants | Port Authority New South Wales.