14 February 2023

Showering the Hunter with love this Valentine’s Day as 2023 Love Water Grants open

Love is in the air and water is on the mind this Valentine’s Day, with Hunter Water offering up to $100,000 through its Love Water Grants program.

Hunter Water Managing Director Darren Cleary said the organisation’s flagship grants program was open to all Lower Hunter community groups, small businesses and organisations.

“Organisations can apply for a one-off grant of up to $10,000 to support initiatives that promote water conservation, sustainability and innovation.

“We’re hoping to see creative and innovative applications that showcase different ideas on how to achieve water conservation goals.

“Whether that’s through the installation of water tanks, community garden projects or irrigation systems like we’ve seen in the past, our grants program is here to support the community to make smart water choices.

“We know how much our community loves and values water. We’ve seen that in recent years through drought, as well as during persistent rain. No matter the climate, a Love Water Grant project is an opportunity to conserve our most precious resource for future generations,” said Mr Cleary.

Dudley Public School received almost $6,000 last year for its sustainability project, which allowed the school to connect a rainwater tank and install wicking beds to improve the water efficiency of its gardens. The project also included a water-themed mural completed by a local Indigenous artist to enhance the school’s community spirit and connectedness with Indigenous culture.

Principal Chad Tsakissiris said the project provided students an opportunity to connect and understand the value of water.

“Hunter Water’s Love Water grant has helped to create a learning environment for students to engage with an environmental sustainability initiative, and the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and respect for the importance of water in our school.

“The positive partnership between our P&C and school ensured that the grant not only benefited student learning outcomes but also had an impact on community involvement in the school. I would encourage any schools thinking about applying to do so,” Mr Tsakissiris said.

Applications are open until midnight, Tuesday 14 March.

Love Water Grants

For more information on our Love Water Grants program or to apply.