NSW Ports has launched its 2022 Community Grants Program to support local projects and services around Port Botany, Port Kembla and the Enfield and Cooks River intermodal terminals.
The program enables not-for-profits and community groups to apply for grants of between $5000 and $25,000 to improve the quality of living and learning in neighbourhoods surrounding the ports and terminals.
Port workers will also benefit from the initiative, as 33% of employees at Port Botany live locally, and around 99% of Port Kembla’s workforce live within the Illawarra region.
NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas said NSW Ports is an active member of the communities it operates in.
“We’re keen to support community groups and not-for-profits with innovative project ideas, programs or initiatives that will help our local communities thrive,” she said.
This year’s grant program intends to support projects with the capacity to produce positive outcomes in areas relating to community participation, the provision of community infrastructure and environment and sustainability.
Last year, the program supported 24 groups across Sydney and Wollongong aimed at delivering beneficial and sustainable work for their streets, parks, sports clubs and schools.
“Our 2021 grants included programs that helped Banksmeadow Public School upgrade its reading resources for kids and provided iPads and laptops for students at La Perouse Public School to improve digital literacy,” Ms Calfas said.
“Community Cancer Link’s community grant helped their organisation purchase vital medical equipment so that nurses could deliver at-home care for cancer patients in the Illawarra region.”
Ms Calfas said the 2022 Community Grants Program will do even more to support the people and groups who are making a positive difference.
“We’re immensely proud to continue to invest in the local communities who invest in us, and by working together, we can keep building strong, inclusive, thriving communities,” she said.
