Region: Hunter

Grant: $120,000

Drawing on its global experience in providing quality accommodation for people facing disadvantage, Habitat will expand to the Hunter and Central Coast for the first time. Their project will engage 150 volunteers to refurbish 20 social and transitional housing units for those in need, especially women and children escaping family and domestic violence.

Region: Hunter, Mid North Coast

Grant: $120,000

From humble origins, PROJECT ROCKIT is now a nationwide youth-led movement against hate, bullying and prejudice. In 2024, the PROJECT ROCKIT Foundation will deliver student workshops addressing bullying, cyber-safety and mental health in 15 high schools across the Hunter and mid-north coast.

Region: Mid North Coast

Grant: $91,531

Two popular basketball courts at Key’s Youth Hub in Coffs Harbour will receive a much -needed upgrade to meet safety standards. The courts are used by at-risk youth and people with a disability. The upgraded facilities will provide a safe and inclusive space for them to enjoy and engage with vital support services.

Region: Mid North Coast

Grant: $86,000

Thirty Year 10 students from Macleay Vocational College will learn a range of digital media skills, including film and audio fundamentals, video production, editing and post-production. They will take their new skills and knowledge on Country to record knowledge shared by Custodians.

Region: Hunter and Central Coast

Grant: $75,000

Building on their extensive experience working with young parents, this pilot project will see Brave focus specifically on teen dads. Ten young dads aged under 25 will be matched with a professional mentor for 12 months to support their parenting journey and help the young men fulfill their personal goals and participate in their community.

Region: Northen Rivers, Mid North Coast

Grant: $50,000

Beautifully curated and culturally appropriate cribs will be presented to 240 expecting First Nations mothers to celebrate their babies’ arrival. Recipients will also be connected to appropriate healthcare and other services to support them during their pregnancy, birth and early stages of their child’s life.

Region: Hunter

Grant: $49,500

People living with disabilities will be given opportunities to build social connection and generate income through Avenue Newcastle’s microbusiness program. The project will also train, mentor and support 14 entrepreneurs to develop a plan to kick-start or scale up their business.

Region: Central West

Grant: $40,000

Established Bathurst disability service provide Vivability will upgrade their kitchen at Café VIVA to ensure it is safe and fit-for-purpose. The expanded café will provide people living with disability the opportunity to gain with meaningful employment with fair pay and connect with their community.

Region: Hunter, Mid North Coast and Central Coast

Grant: $33,839

Respected national charity, the Lung Foundation Australia will establish its Lungs in Action exercise programs in the Hunter, Mid North and Central Coast. The project will train 10 local registered fitness professionals to help patients live manage their chronic lung and/or heart conditions.

Region: Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast

Grant: $20,000

Southern Cross University will research the challenges and barriers faced by immigrant women of child-bearing age in the Northern Rivers region. Led by a team with lived-experience, the project will inform future practices to reduce the disparities in healthcare and social services they currently face.