Marine Rescue Port Kembla at Hill 60 has received $240,000 funding to refurbish its base. Photo: Region.
More than a decade ago, the NSW government of the day made a controversial decision to privatise the port of Port Kembla.
In 2013, the government sold Port Botany and Port Kembla to the NSW Ports Consortium on a 99-year lease for a combined $5.1 billion.
The decision was met with protests against privatising government assets but the Port Kembla deal was somewhat sweetened when, in 2016, the government announced $1 million a year from the proceeds of the lease would be set aside to reinvest in Port Kembla infrastructure projects.
Since then, more than $12 million has been handed out under the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund to 82 local organisations and projects.
The fund provides grants of between $10,000 and $250,000 for projects that will help create a more vibrant, accessible and welcoming Port Kembla precinct.
Funding has gone to projects such as Hill 60 beautification and upgrades, Port Kembla Surf Club, wetlands rehabilitation, town revitalisation projects, Tender Funerals and a range of sporting organisations.
Wollongong MP Paul Scully and Regional NSW Minister Tara Moriarty visited Port Kembla on Monday (18 May) to announce the successful projects to share in the latest round of funding.
Marine Rescue Port Kembla received $240,000 to refurbish the organisation’s Hill 60 vessel base.
Unit commander Kevin Bradley thanked the government and the fund for ongoing support.
“These important improvements will support our volunteers as they continue to provide emergency response to both local and visiting boaters across the Illawarra region,” he said.
“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.”
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.
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.
Two new shades and an accessibility ramp will be installed at Port Kembla skate park. Photo: Will Mitry.
Ms Moriarty said the projects highlighted 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,” she said.
“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.”
Other successful projects funded in this round:
- Port Kembla Junior Football Club to construct an equipment storage shed at Darcy Wentworth Park – $40,000
- Wollongong Conservatorium of Music Limited for its Steel Town Sound project delivering a coordinated program of school-based music education and community music – $82,761
- Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce to construct two new shades and an accessibility ramp at the PK Skate Park – $54,253
- Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation to replace roofing at its Services Hub – $250,000
- Our Community Project to help fund its Creative Connections program – $65,549
- Regional Arts & Cultural Development Australia for the Port Kembla Festival 2027 – $81,639
- George Cross Falcons Community Centre Inc to upgrade kitchen appliances – $10,000
- Buckaroo Leatherworks Pty Ltd for upgrades at the Buckaroo Leatherworks manufacturing facility – $75,000
- Our Community Project for upgrades at Tender Funerals – $35,228
- Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation to upgrade fencing at the Coomaditchie Hardcourts – $55,000.
Wollongong Conservatorium of Music CEO Annette Brown said the funding for the Steel Town Sound would make a real difference to the 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,” she said.
“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.”
Mr Scully said funding would improve facilities, activate community spaces, support 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,” he said.
