newy.com.au – Sixteen schools and community organisations across the Lower Hunter will share $123,839 for water-saving and sustainability projects under Hunter Water’s 2026 Love Water Grants program.
Now in its eighth year, the program provides one-off grants of up to $10,000 for projects promoting water conservation and efficiency, environmental stewardship, education and sustainability.
Among the recipients is the volunteer-run Combined Northern Canine Committee, which has been awarded $9,735 to install three rainwater tanks and associated infrastructure at its Hillsborough dog exhibition and training grounds.
The tanks will collect and store rainwater for irrigation, helping the committee maintain grounds used by more than 30 local dog clubs for training, education programs and major canine events.
Committee president John Bryson said the project would improve the long-term sustainability of the grounds.
“The project will help ensure the ongoing upkeep and usability of the grounds, even during periods of low rainfall or water restrictions, supporting the long-term viability of these facilities for community use,” Mr Bryson said.
The committee hosts more than 30 dog show exhibitions each year and provides affordable training and education programs promoting responsible dog ownership.
Four other projects in the Lake Macquarie local government area received funding. Wyee Community Hub was awarded $10,000 for its Men’s Shed Needs Water project, while Kahibah Public School received $10,000 for Very Little Flaggy Creek and Morisset High School secured $10,000 for the Morisset WaterWise Agriculture Project. Charlestown Junior Football Club was granted $2,235 for a Super Sopper Roller.
Four projects in the Dungog area will share $25,464. Dungog Community Preschool received $4,500 for water-efficiency upgrades to outdoor water education amenities, while the Clarence Town Amateur Fishing Club was awarded $5,189 for a water tank and tap at Durham Wharf Reserve.
The Dungog A&H Junior Youth Show Committee secured $8,775 for a rainwater system at the Dungog Show Ground animal nursery, and 1st Clarence Town Scouts received $7,000 for its Conserve & Reuse: Integrated Water Stewardship Project.
Millfield Public School was the Cessnock area recipient, receiving $10,000 for its Bee Green: Nourishing Gardens with Rainwater project.
In Maitland, the Hunter Region Landcare Network was awarded $10,000 for Hunter Rainforest Revival, Hunter River Community School received $4,500 for Growing Together, and Lochinvar Public School secured $10,000 for its Our Water, Our Future project.
Three Newcastle projects will share $21,905. Tighes Hill Community Garden received $9,570 for a rainwater tank system, Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW’s Newcastle unit was awarded $5,335 for additional rainwater storage tanks, and Beresfield Community Children’s Education Centre secured $7,000 for Little Hands, Big Water Discoveries.
Hunter Water managing director Jennifer Hayes said the recipients were selected following a rigorous assessment process.
“These projects represent a diverse range of communities and audiences and demonstrate practical, innovative approaches to water conservation and sustainability,” Ms Hayes said.
“From rainwater harvesting systems and irrigation upgrades to community gardens, bush tucker gardens and education initiatives, these projects will deliver lasting environmental, educational and social benefits across our region.”
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the region’s growth brought a responsibility to use water wisely.
“We know the Hunter is a growing region, and with that growth comes the responsibility to use our water wisely and invest in projects that protect this vital resource for generations to come,” Ms Catley said.
More information about the grants program is available at hunterwater.com.au/grants.
