Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund

Key information: Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund

• Grant amount: $10,000 to $250,000

• Applications close: 1 December 2025

• Application outcome date: From February 2026

• Project delivery timeframe (estimated): Projects must commence within 6 months of a signed funding deed and be fully completed within 2 years.

The objective of the program is to revitalise and energise the Port of Newcastle and surrounding areas for the benefit of the community and visitors. The intended outcomes of the program are to foster stronger community bonds, enhance accessibility, boost visitation, increase participation in cultural and artistic life, and enhance public, environmental or business infrastructure.

Eligible applicants include incorporated associations, cooperatives, community organisations, local councils, Aboriginal Land Councils, not-for-profit organisations, registered companies, partnerships, trusts, training and tertiary education providers, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations.

Eligible project types include activation such as place making projects, community and tourism-based events and other high-quality projects that foster stronger community bonds, enhance accessibility, boost visitation, increase participation in cultural and artistic life, or enhance public, environmental or business infrastructure with demonstrated public or community benefit.

Project delivery location must be within the Port of Newcastle and surrounding areas, as identified on the map in the Program Guidelines.

What co-contributions are required

• Not-for-profit organisations and Local Aboriginal Land Councils do not need to provide a co-contribution. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to provide some financial and/or in-kind co-contributions to demonstrate collaboration and provide more certainty of project delivery.

• Local councils, private businesses and any other eligible organisation must provide matching funding (at least 50% of the project total) for their projects. Co-contributions must be in cash and not in-kind.

Head to the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund - Round 9 page for more information including regarding key eligibility requirements and how to apply.