Local organisations are being encouraged to apply for up to $5,000 in funding under the latest round of Port Authority of NSW’s Community Grants Program, which opened 26 March 2026.
Funding is available for eligible projects that strengthen community connections, promote sustainability or enhance the wellbeing of people living and working around Port Authority’s six ports of Eden, Botany, Sydney, Newcastle, Yamba and Port Kembla.
Last year the Program supported nine important community projects including free swimming clinics by Swimming NSW and Reverse Garbage, which inspires communities to rethink waste and better protect our waterways.
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,” Mr Ernst said.
“For any 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, so we strongly encourage eligible community groups to apply.”
Swimming NSW Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer James Hickman said Port Authority of NSW’s grant was vital in delivering swimming lessons across Maitland, Newcastle and Yamba.
“Swimming is a vital life skill, particularly for people living and spending time around our ports and waterways. This Port Authority of NSW grant allowed us to deliver free swimming clinics for 108 youths 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.”
Reverse Garbage Education Program Manager Sam Daykin said Sydney Harbour is not only an icon of our city, but a vital environment that so many communities are connected to and care deeply about.
“It was incredibly rewarding to use this grant funding to engage with primary school students from around Sydney Harbour, using creative reuse and art to show how everyday materials and actions impact our marine environments, and how art can help young people imagine and communicate bold visions for a more sustainable future.”
Other successful recipients of funding in 2025 included Marine Rescue NSW, Making Waves, Eden Whale Festival, Goats Creek Longboards and Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.
Grant applications close on 5 May 2026 with successful recipients to be announced in July.
For more information or to apply for Port Authority’s Community Grants program, visit Community grants | Port Authority New South Wales.
