Community spirit flows through Hunter Water’s 2025 Love Water Grants Program
Hunter Water is pleased to announce the successful recipients of its 2025 Love Water Grants program, with 19 community organisations and groups awarded a share of $125,000 in funding to support water-saving and sustainability-focused initiatives across the Lower Hunter.
Now in its seventh year, the Love Water Grants program offers one-off funding of up to $10,000 for projects that promote water conservation and efficiency, as well as those that incorporate education, environmental stewardship, or sustainability outcomes.
Among this year’s recipients is Belmont Wetlands State Park, which will use the funding to purchase a water cart to help efficiently irrigate areas where water is not available. The cart will support ongoing rehabilitation and revegetation of native flora while also assisting with local events.
Park Manager Clinton Smith said the organisation is grateful to have received a Love Water Grant.
“Belmont Wetlands State Park is an important part of the Lower Hunter community, and this funding will allow us to deliver practical water savings, as well as provide a useful water source during bushfire season.
“The water cart will also help support responsible access to water for our community events so we can continue to take care of local flora and fauna,” Mr Smith said.
Hunter Water Executive Manager Strategy and Engagement, Emma Berry, said the program continues to strengthen community resilience and environmental awareness.
“The 2025 program attracted a strong response once again. Hunter Water received 76 applications, totalling $620,945 in requested funding, from schools, early childhood centres, not-for-profits, and local councils.
“This incredible interest shows the commitment of our local communities to protect our most valuable resource—water. These projects, from rainwater harvesting systems to educational gardens and upgraded water infrastructure, will deliver lasting benefits across the Lower Hunter,” Ms Berry said.
To find out more about the Love Water Grants, visit www.hunterwater.com.au/grants.
| Organisation | Project | LGA | Funding |
| Belmont Wetlands State Park | Water on Wheels | Lake Macquarie | $10,000 |
| Black Hill Public School | Sensory and Vegetable Garden | Cessnock | $6,000 |
| Cessnock Multipurpose Children's Centre | Re-use the Rainwater | Cessnock | $2,953 |
| Clarence Town Lions Club | Clarence Town Lions Park water tank and drinking station | Dungog | $5,727 |
| Clarence Town Senior Citizens | Water for Clarence Town Community of Gardens | Dungog | $5,000 |
| Dungog Junior Cricket Club | Improved Irrigation for Bruyn Park | Dungog | $5,000 |
| Dungog Public School | Water Tank and Watering System | Dungog | $5,216 |
| Edgeworth Public School | Nupalikolinba Outdoor Learning Area | Lake Macquarie | $7,346 |
| Gresford District Landcare | Water is Life, Community is Love | Dungog | $3,860 |
| Hamilton North Public School | Market Garden Irrigation Upgrade | Newcastle | $2,545 |
| Islington Public School | Caring for Country: Water Conservation and Runoff Management | Newcastle | $6,200 |
| Karuah Landcare Group | Longworth Park Slope Revegetation | Port Stephens | $9,891 |
| Kurri Kurri High School | Accessible Bottle Filling Stations | Cessnock | $6,149 |
| Maitland Grossmann High School | The HIVE Agriculture Aquaponics and Irrigation System | Maitland | $5,150 |
| Mayfield East Public School | Water Tank/System Upgrade and Renewal | Newcastle | $10,000 |
| Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council | Mindaribba Rainwater Harvesting and Cultural Sustainability | Maitland | $10,000 |
| Newcastle Men's Shed | Save our Rainfall | Newcastle | $4,082 |
| Nords Wharf Public School | Water tanks | Lake Macquarie | $9,754 |
| The Groundswell Collective | Shelley St Community Garden Water Saving Project | Lake Macquarie | $9,986 |
