Communities across Tasmania will benefit from TasPorts refreshed Community Grant Program, with $100,000 in funding and in-kind support awarded to eight community projects.
Posted
12 August 2026
The successful projects range from water safety training for new Tasmanians and vocational pathways for young people, to preserving maritime heritage, food security initiatives and celebrating Aboriginal culture and storytelling.
TasPorts CEO Captain Allan Gray said the program reflects TasPorts' commitment to supporting the communities connected to Tasmania's ports.
"The TasPorts Community Grant Program is about more than funding projects. It's about investing in the people, ideas and partnerships that help Tasmania's communities thrive.
“We are proud to support eight new initiatives that will strengthen community connections, celebrate our unique maritime heritage, and contribute to building a more resilient and inclusive Tasmania,” Captain Gray said.
This year’s program attracted an overwhelming response with 140 applications requesting more than $2 million in funding, more than three times the number of applications compared to previous years.
“The quality of submissions made the assessment process highly competitive, highlighting the creativity and dedication of community organisations across Tasmania,” Captain Gray said.
The refreshed 2026 program introduced several changes compared to previous years, including the transition from two six-monthly funding rounds to a single annual round, increasing the maximum grant available from $5,000 to $25,000.
Among the successful recipients, Vinnies Tasmania will receive funding to deliver hospitality training for students who will prepare ready-made meals for those experiencing food insecurity in the Burnie area.
Community Programs Manager, Chantelle French said, “we hope the program will strengthen community connections and provide both immediate and long-term benefits for those in need and the young people at Parklands High School."
Biennial arts festival, Ten Days on the Island, will receive funding for Rayakana Milaythina (Song of Country), a significant cultural project led by Palawa and Warlpiri artist Nunami Sculthorpe-Green, bringing installations and cultural experiences to communities across Tasmania.
Ten Days on the Island CEO Vernon Guest said “TasPorts has been a valued partner of Ten Days on the Island for many years, sharing our commitment to culture and storytelling that is deeply connected to place and celebrates our island home.
“TasPorts support for Rayakana Milaythina (Song of Country) will enable us to bring these significant cultural gatherings to communities across lutruwita/Tasmania, creating opportunities for connection, reflection and celebration.
“As a centrepiece of the 2027 Festival opening, this project will help us engage new audiences while honouring the stories, voices and cultural knowledge that shape this island,” Mr Guest said.
Dover History Group
Project: Relics from the George the Third Shipwreck
Funding: $800
The Dover History Group will produce a booklet showcasing relics from the historic George the Third shipwreck held at the Dover Museum. The project will support the preservation and sharing of Tasmania's rich maritime heritage and extends TasPorts' grant support into Tasmania's far south for the first time.
Montrose Bay High School
Project: REBUILD
Funding: $21,570
REBUILD is a community automotive program delivered throughout the school year at Montrose Bay High School. Located close to Risdon Wharf and Selfs Point on the River Derwent, the program will provide valuable hands-on learning opportunities, strengthen community engagement and create ongoing opportunities to share participant stories and outcomes.
Splash Devonport Aquatic & Leisure Centre
Project: Water Safety and Awareness Program for New Tasmanians
Funding: $4,100
Water safety remains a key focus of the TasPorts Community Grant Program. Delivered in partnership with Welcome Cultural Services, this learn-to-swim and water awareness initiative will help recent migrants in the Devonport region build confidence and essential skills in and around water.
Tamar Yacht Club Inc.
Project: TYC Marina Upgrade 2026
Support: In-kind support through pilotage fee waivers
TasPorts will provide in-kind support through the waiver of pilotage fees for four vessel movements associated with the installation of two marina attenuator barges at Beauty Point. The upgrade will support community recreational sailing and improve marina infrastructure for local users.
Landcare Tasmania Inc.
Project: Statewide Community Landcare Activation Program
Funding: $25,000
This statewide initiative will support practical, community-led environmental projects that improve natural landscapes while connecting local communities. TasPorts will work alongside Landcare Tasmania to identify and support five projects in regions connected to port operations.
PCYC North
Project: RESET Pathways
Funding: $18,000
Designed for at-risk young people in the George Town area, RESET Pathways is a 14-week vocational skills program that combines off-site learning experiences with industry exposure. Participants will visit TasPorts' Bell Bay operations alongside organisations including the Australian Maritime College (AMC), Abrehub and TMEC, while also gaining practical qualifications such as First Aid, White Card and Barista training.
St Vincent de Paul Society Tasmania
Project: Parklands High School x Vinnies Community Catering Program
Funding: $5,300
This collaborative project will provide students with hospitality training while supporting individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in the Burnie area. Delivered across four school terms, students will prepare ready-made meals that are distributed through Vinnies' community support network.
Ten Days on the Island
Project: Rayakana Milaythina (Song of Country)
Funding: $25,000
Led by Aboriginal artist Nunami Sculthorpe-Green, this significant cultural project will involve the creation of five installations following residencies with the Palawa community. The works will feature as the centrepiece of the festival's opening activities in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie, Devonport and Cape Barren Island before being exhibited at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery until September 2027. The project will foster engagement with Tasmanian Aboriginal communities, arts audiences and communities connected to Tasmania's ports.