The NSW Government established the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund (the program) in 2014 as an ongoing program linked to the long-term lease of Port of Newcastle.
The purpose of the program is to financially support projects that revitalise and energise the Port of Newcastle and surrounding areas for the benefit of the community through new infrastructure, upgrading of existing assets and encouraging visitors and tourism.
Funding for Round 10 of the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund will support projects focussed on infrastructure upgrades, new amenities, programs and events that provide community benefit.
The intended outcomes of the program are to:
- foster stronger community bonds
- increase participation in cultural and artistic life, and
- enhance public, environmental and business infrastructure
Funded projects must contribute to and will be assessed against delivery of these outcomes.
Round 10 is aimed at projects that will provide benefit to residents, workers and visitors to the Port of Newcastle and surrounding areas
- Grant amount: from $25,000 up to $250,000 (GST exclusive).
- Type of grant opportunity: Competitive (merit based)
- Application open: 28/09/2026 at midday
- Application close: 9/11/2026 at 2pm
- Assessment process: will commence once applications close on 9/11/2026.
- Application outcomes: will be announced from late January 2027.
- Funding Deeds executed with successful applicants: Contracting process will commence once an applicant has signed and returned their Letter of Conditional Offer with Confidentiality, and met any funding conditions outlined in the Letter of Conditional Offer.
- Project completion: Projects must commence within 6 months of execution of a funding deed and be completed within 2 years.
- A sample funding deed is available to view here.
Departmental Contact Details
For queries about the Program Guidelines, deadlines, or completing this application form, please contact us via email at contact.regionalprograms@dpird.nsw.gov.au and quote your application ID in the subject header.