The Port Kembla community is set to benefit from a major boost to local facilities, services and programs, with Marine Rescue NSW among 11 recipients of funding through the latest round of grants from the Minns Government's Port Kembla Community Investment Fund.
A grant of $240,000 has been awarded to the volunteer-run Marine Rescue Port Kembla for refurbishments to their vessel base, ensuring the facility remains safe, operational and accessible for volunteers and the wider community.
For so many Australians, spending time on the water is part of their way of life, and Marine Rescue volunteers are there to keep us safe.
During the last boating season from October 2025 to April 2026, Marine Rescue Port Kembla performed 79 search and rescue missions, including 45 emergency responses, safely returning 166 people to shore.
Marine Rescue volunteers play a vital role in keeping our communities safe on the water, often in the most challenging conditions. The recent tragedy off Ballina, where volunteers lost their lives during a rescue operation, is a stark reminder of the work they do protecting others.
Across Port Kembla, community projects including upgraded and improved facilities, support for sporting clubs and enhanced local events will share in almost $1 million in funding.
The 11 initiatives supported through the fund will help activate and enhance the Port Kembla Precinct, boost visitation, strengthen community connections, supports jobs, and encourage greater participation in cultural and artistic activities.
Other successful projects funded in this round include:
- $40,000 - Port Kembla Junior Football Club to construct an equipment storage shed at Darcy Wentworth Park
- $82,761 - Wollongong Conservatorium of Music Limited for its Steel Town Sound project delivering a coordinated program of school-based music education and community music
- $54,253 - Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce to construct two new shades and an accessibility ramp at the PK Skate Park
- $250,000 - Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation to replace roofing at its Services Hub
- $65,549 - Our Community Project to help fund its Creative Connections program
- $81,639 - Regional Arts & Cultural Development Australia for the Port Kembla Festival 2027
- $10,000 - George Cross Falcons Community Centre Inc to upgrade kitchen appliances
- $75,000 - Buckaroo Leatherworks Pty Ltd for upgrades at the Buckaroo Leatherworks manufacturing facility
- $35,228 - Our Community Project for upgrades at Tender Funerals
- $55,000 - Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation to upgrade fencing at the Coomaditchie Hardcourts
The Port Kembla Community Investment Fund provides grants of between $10,000 to $250,000 for projects that will help create a more vibrant, accessible and welcoming Port Kembla precinct, ensuring the community continues to benefit from meaningful investment and long‑term vision.
The Minn Labor Government is committed to working closely with local organisations, businesses and council to deliver projects that enrich the Port Kembla area and support the community's ongoing growth and development.
The fund is enabled by the long-term lease of the Port Kembla and has now provided $12.89 million to 82 projects since 2016.
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"These projects highlight the passion and commitment of the Port Kembla community. Each initiative will help activate the precinct, improve public spaces and create new opportunities for people to come together.
"We're proud to support projects that strengthen Port Kembla's identity and enhance the precinct for residents and visitors. This investment reflects our commitment to backing regional communities with ideas that deliver real outcomes.
"Port Kembla plays a vital role in the Illawarra's economy and community life. These projects will help strengthen that role by revitalising key spaces, supporting local organisations and creating new opportunities for people to come together and enjoy everything the precinct has to offer."
Minister for Illawarra and South Coast, Ryan Park said:
"Port Kembla continues to grow and shine as a community‑driven precinct. These projects will help activate local spaces, support events and create new opportunities for people to connect.
"These initiatives show the strength and creativity of the Port Kembla community. By backing these ideas, we're helping build a precinct that is vibrant, welcoming and ready for the future.
"Port Kembla is a vital part of the region's identity, and these projects will add even more energy to the precinct. This investment supports local organisations to deliver improvements the whole community can enjoy."
Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully said:
"It's great to see local organisations leading projects that will make a real difference to Port Kembla. These initiatives will improve facilities, activate community spaces, supports jobs and the area's ongoing revitalisation.
"These projects show what can be achieved when the community drives the vision. They will leave a lasting impact on Port Kembla and help strengthen the area for future generations.
"This funding supports practical improvements that Wollongong's southern suburbs have been calling for. These projects will help create a more connected, accessible and welcoming area."
Quotes attributed to Marine Rescue Port Kembla Unit Commander Kevin Bradley:
"We are grateful to the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund for its support and thank the NSW Government for backing our mission of saving lives on the water.
"These important improvements will support our volunteers as they continue to provide emergency response to both local and visiting boaters across the Illawarra region.
"Marine Rescue Port Kembla covers a large operational area, from the coastline of the Royal National Park through to the southern Illawarra, regularly assisting boaters and supporting emergency services both offshore and on enclosed waters."
Wollongong Conservatorium of Music CEO, Annette Brown said:
"This funding makes a real difference for our community. It means young people in Port Kembla can learn music, play together and then step out onto a stage and be part of something bigger.
"We're proud to be working with our First Nations music educators to make sure these opportunities are inclusive, connected and genuinely reflect the community they're part of.
"We're incredibly grateful for this support. Funding like this creates real opportunities for young people and will have a lasting impact well beyond the life of the grant."
