Aussie ports announce community grant programs and recipients

TASPORTS has announced the recipients of its latest round of community grants, while NSW Ports has launched another round for local port communities.

NSW Ports launched its 2023 Community Grants Program on Wednesday, targeting local groups, not-for-profit organisations and schools.

One-off grants of up to $25,000 each are available for local projects, services and initiatives that benefit the communities surrounding Port Botany, Port Kembla and the Enfield and Cooks River intermodal centres.

NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas said the program supports innovative and community-led project ideas, programs and initiatives.

“Our grants help make neighbourhoods better places to live, work, learn and play, by enhancing health and well-being, education opportunities and the environment,” Ms Calfas said.

The 2023 grants program will focus on areas of education, health, economic development, the environment, arts and culture, social welfare and emergency relief.

NSW Ports said it has awarded grants to more than 40 groups and initiatives over the past two years, including sports clubs, schools, Indigenous health programs, multicultural centres, universities, social welfare organisations and environmental programs.

“More than 30% of employees at Port Botany live locally, while 99% of Port Kembla’s workforce are local residents,” Ms Calfas said.

“Our local communities are integral to the day-to-day operations of our ports and intermodal centres. We’re immensely proud to continue to invest in local communities. By working together, we can keep building strong, inclusive, thriving neighbourhoods.”

And in Tasmania, TasPorts has announced the recipients of its fourth community grants program.

TasPorts launched the latest round of its program earlier this year.

The port offered grants of up to $5000 to support projects, events and initiatives that benefit local communities near the company’s commercial and community ports.

“TasPorts is pleased to be supporting 11 community-focused organisations and initiatives right across Tasmania,” group executive governance and corporate affairs Kate Dean said.

“We partner with a broad range of community programs because it helps to create strong and vibrant communities.”

TasPorts congratulated the successful applicants, which include Dodges Ferry Volunteer Marine Rescue, King Island Child Care and Early Learning Centre, Mission to Seafarers at Burnie & Port Latta, Mudlark Theatre and Tamar Sea Rescue.

“TasPorts remains committed to operating in a socially responsible manner to support sustainable economic and social growth for Tasmania,” Ms Dean said.

Applications for NSW Ports’ grants program closes at 1700 on 16 April. Applications for the next round of TasPorts’ community funding will open in early August 2023.