New HVO grants support 20 community projects

Help for Hunter Valley community and business groups to put on events, food for people experiencing homelessness, and programs to give local school kids skills for their future is on its way thanks to Hunter Valley Operations’ latest community grants.

The mine has awarded 20 grants to not for profit organisations who can find it difficult to gain support for their smaller scale projects.

Community and environment officer Nic McLaughlin said HVO is investing in the development of its community to build positive and lasting social and economic benefits.

“HVO grants are about improving our community’s capacity building, skills, health and well-being and environment,” Nic said.

“If HVO’s proposal to continue mining is approved, we’ll be able to continue to provide this support to local organisations who do so much for our community.”

One project that received a helping hand is last month’s Singleton PCYC Book Fair.

Singleton PCYC Club Manager David Andrews said the fair is a major fundraiser for its free or low cost activities and programs to empower local young people to reach their potential.

David thanked HVO for supporting the past three book fairs. He said the grants pay the costs of running the event.

“Without HVO’s support we’d have less money for local youth activities,” David said.

Since 2018, HVO has provided more than $500,000 to more than 110 programs or projects. This is in addition to funding from its charity partnerships and workplace giving programs.

2024 HVO Community Grants recipients

• Singleton PCYC – 2024 Book Fair to raise funds for youth activities at the centre
• Rotary Club of Singleton on Hunter – Silver sponsor of Singleton Art Prize       
• Singleton Public Library – Little Bang Science Programme workshops for 3-5 year-olds
• Denman Public School – Renaissance Star Reading literacy programme for Kindergarten to Year 6 students.
• Singleton Public School – Replace electronic white boards in classrooms
• Singleton Neighbourhood Centre – Personal safety devices for volunteers servicing vulnerable groups
• Maitland Tenambit BMX Club – Installation of a transponder (timing loop) system to enable riders to compare racing and training times
• Upper Hunter Homeless Support – Additional food kept on site to feed people experiencing homelessness
• Sandy Hollow Public School – Line marking of athletic fields and beach sand for long jump pit
• Hunter Valley Camp Draft – Upgrade toilet and shower facilities for both sexes at Whittingham facility              
• Mark Hughes Foundation – Support to hold 50 Sparkling Years fundraising event
• Muswellbrook High School – Funding for Student Representative Council to hold a colour run event to support Motor Neuron Disease research
• Cessnock City Council – Support to hold Our Bushland Festival            
• Australian Stock Horse Association – Prize money for Eastern Branch ASHS Championships and Performance Weekend
• Sunnyfield – Weekly pottery classes during school term for clients with a disability
• St Catherine’s Catholic College – First Aid Course for Year 10 students
• NSW Scout Association – Enable an Upper Hunter scout to attend the Queensland Scout Jamboree
• Business Singleton – Platinum sponsor of Singleton Business Awards
• Maitland Steam and Antique Machinery Association – Mezzanine flooring to prevent flooding at Hunter Valley Steamfest
• Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Exhibit sponsor of TV, Movie and Nostalgia Festival.

Read more on our Community page.