Projects that support Newcastle's social, cultural, environmental and economic development are set to benefit from almost $1 million from City of Newcastle.
Community and sporting groups, residents and businesses are being invited to apply for a share of the funding available through City of Newcastle's annual grants, sponsorships and Special Business Rates programs.
Councillors Elisabeth Adamczyk, Jenny Barrie and Declan Clausen join Bianca Bartlett from The Full Circle Collective, who received City of Newcastle funding for a clothes swap event in Wallsend. Jade Perry from AMS Art Studio, the event location, is also pictured.City of Newcastle's Executive Director of Creative and Community Services, Alissa Jones, said successful projects deliver real and lasting benefits for the city and the community.
"City of Newcastle's grants and sponsorship programs offer support across a broad range of areas from recreation facility improvements to community initiatives, events and creative projects," Ms Jones said.
"Our Special Business Rates program is an important way of involving businesses and the community in the continued improvement of their local precincts.
"Funding is assessed across a range of criteria including economic impact, social cohesion, creativity and innovation, and is available to events and projects at all stages of development."
Chair of City of Newcastle's Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee Cr Jenny Barrie said the funding helped to deliver worthwhile initiatives for the community.
"City of Newcastle invests in diverse initiatives across the city each year that enhance community wellbeing and deliver tangible impacts," Cr Barrie said.
"These projects can help strengthen the community, improve the city's identity and make Newcastle a better place in which to live, work, play and invest."
Previous grant recipients include a diverse mix of initiatives such as Books at the Bowlo by Club Lambton, Summer Runway by Facon Models and projects creating culturally safe spaces for Aboriginal women through art and film.
Environmental initiatives have included wildlife habitat enhancement, invasive vine removal and storage infrastructure for community gardens.
Social inclusion programs have also been supported, such as mental health and wellness walks, youth outreach and health and wellbeing programs tailored for Afghan women and people experiencing homelessness.
The Full Circle Collective received Special Business Rates funding in 2024 to continue their Wallsend Op Shop Trail, delivering related events such as the community Clothes Swap, which took part in Wallsend today.
The event promoted sustainable fashion and the reduction of textile waste by inviting participants to exchange pre-loved clothing, shoes and accessories.
Co-founder and Director of The Full Circle Collective Bianca Bartlett said the funding enabled her team to deliver hands-on, community-driven events, and highlight the important role op shops play in a sustainable future.
"Support from the City of Newcastle's Special Business Rate program has made it possible for us to create fun, inclusive and sustainable events like the clothes swap," Ms Bartlett said.
"Our goal is to empower the community to take simple steps toward reducing waste and embracing the circular economy. Initiatives like these help people see that environmental action doesn't have to be overwhelming, it can be creative, practical and social."
Applications for grants and sponsorship funding are open from 2 June and close 29 June.
Funding streams include Infrastructure Grants, Community Support Grants, Event Sponsorship, and Tourism and Economic Development Sponsorship.
To learn more or apply, visit https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/community/grants-and-sponsorships
Applications for City of Newcastle's Special Business Rates program are invited for projects that support the promotion, beautification and economic development of the Wallsend and Hamilton business precincts.
