Port Kembla Marine Rescue, sports club, arts festival share $1m in govt grants

Marine Rescue NSW's Port Kembla unit is one of 11 Port Kembla community-based organisations, programs and businesses set to benefit from an almost $1 million round of state government grants.

Marine Rescue Port Kembla will receive $240,000 to refurbish its vessel base, helping the volunteer-run body ensure its facility remains safe, operational and accessible for volunteers and the wider community.

Other successful initiatives 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

This latest round of grants, from the State Government’s Port Kembla Community Investment Fund and totalling almost $1 million, was announced this morning.

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”, according to a government statement. 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.

The Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully, the Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, and Marine Rescue Port Kembla Unit Commander Kevin Bradley attended an official announcement, held at the group's Port Kembla headquarters on Foreshore Road.

Ms Moriarty said the projects "highlight the passion and commitment" of Port Kembla's community. 

“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.”

Mr Scully said: "These initiatives will improve facilities, activate community spaces, supports jobs and the area’s ongoing revitalisation."