Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s Jacqueline Ellis is urging organisations to take advantage of Port of Newcastle’s annual sponsorship program.
The Your Port, Our Community initiative – with applications now open for the latest round of funding – supports local groups and charities in delivering projects that benefit those who live, work and play by the harbour.
This year, a total of $90,000 will be available.
The Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club was a recipient in 2021, purchasing new life jackets for its Tackers learn to sail scheme.
“We welcome more than 500 children every year to our courses, so the equipment is very well-used,” Ms Ellis said.
“The life jackets we bought with Port of Newcastle’s support will enable us to continue to safely introduce kids to the fun of sailing for a long time to come.
“So, I encourage other clubs to apply for Your Port, Our Community assistance.”
While there will not be a cap on the amount that can be applied for in the funding pool, Port of Newcastle (PoN) will choose projects that best align with its priorities to deliver a positive outcome for the local community.
CEO Craig Carmody said PoN was delighted to again deliver the program in 2022 following a record number of applications 12 months ago.
“Given their proximity to one another, the port and Newcastle have a strong connection,” he explained.
“As a significant employment and economic contributor to the region, we are proud to be able to further support our surrounding community again in 2022 through the Your Port, Our Community sponsorship program.
“Over the past two years, PoN has provided close to $170,000 in grants to 24 local organisations for projects that provide social, economic and environmental outcomes for the community of Newcastle and the city’s visitors.
“In 2021, we saw a record number of applications, with 13 successful groups receiving funding for schemes ranging from wetlands rehabilitation and family-friendly sustainability events to historical signage and youth development initiatives.”
For further information, or to apply for the 2022 Your Port, Our Community sponsorship program, visit portofnewcastle.com.au/sponsorship
Applications close at 5pm on Friday 18 November.
