Hunter Wetlands Centre secures $30,000 grant for new access vehicles

newy.com.au – Hunter Wetlands Centre has secured $30,000 through the NSW Community Building Partnership program to buy two vehicles to help staff, volunteers and visitors move around the popular Shortland wetlands site.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery visited the centre on 31 March to inspect the new vehicles, which include a six-seater buggy for volunteers, staff and visitors and a smaller two-seater buggy for volunteers and staff.

The largely volunteer-run Hunter Wetlands Centre is a RAMSAR-listed site focused on regeneration and conservation of local wildlife. Covering about 45 hectares and home to more than 200 bird species, it is also a popular tourist attraction in Newcastle and the Hunter.

Ms Hornery said the funding would improve access across the site and make it easier for volunteers and staff to carry out their work.

“The Hunter Wetlands Centre is not just an important tourist attraction in the Wallsend electorate; it’s also a profound centre of conservation and environmental education,” Ms Hornery said.

“The purchase of these vehicles will make the jobs of staff and volunteers easier and allow greater access for visitors who are less mobile to still be able to access the site and experience the beauty and tranqulity of the RAMSAR listed wetlands.”

Hunter Wetlands Centre general manager James Wilson said the vehicles would make a practical difference for the organisation and its volunteers.

“We rely heavily on our volunteers, and these vehicles will make a big difference in supporting their work across the site,” Mr Wilson said.

“They also open up the wetlands to a broader range of visitors, particularly those with limited mobility, which is something we’re really committed to improving. We’re grateful for the support that has made this possible.”

Ms Hornery said the 2025 NSW Community Building Partnership grant round allocated $446,815 to not-for-profit organisations and sporting groups across the Wallsend electorate, including projects at Home-Start National in Lambton, Wallsend Community Pre-school, Blue Gum Hills Men’s Shed, Wallsend BaptistCare Hope Street and Waratah Public School.