HVO Community Grants Program surpasses $1 million, supporting 22 new projects in 2026

Hunter Valley Operations has reached a major milestone, surpassing $1 million in community investment through its long‑running Community Grants Program.

Since 2018, HVO has backed more than 191 community projects, contributing $1,001,345 to initiatives that strengthen wellbeing, participation, social connection and inclusion across the Hunter region.

In the first round of the 2026 program, HVO is supporting 22 new projects, providing funding for local organisations delivering everything from youth engagement and sporting development to cultural celebrations, community facilities and environmental initiatives.

Round 1 2026 HVO Community Grants recipients:

• Jerrys Plains Public School – Teachers’ aide support and new playground
• Singleton Neighbourhood Centre – Annual community assistance
• Singleton PCYC – 2026 Book Fair supporting literacy and youth engagement
• Rotary Singleton – Singleton Art Prize, one of Australia’s leading regional art shows
• Business Singleton – 2026 Singleton Business Awards
• Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Going Country Festival
• Cessnock United Football Club – Replacement soccer goals for U10/11 teams
• Maitland Basketball Association – Replacement of 20‑year‑old seating used by 300,000 athletes annually
• Jerrys Plains Rodeo Association – Jerrys Plains Junior Rodeo
• Singleton Hospital Auxiliary – New cribs for the maternity unit
• Singleton Golf Club – New Year’s Eve community fireworks event
• Hunter Valley Wine Country Landcare – Native seed propagation partnership
• Muswellbrook Football Club – Marquee replacement for match days and events
• New Vine Vineyard Church – Foodbank floor slab works
• Maitland Vale RFS – Brigade equipment and facility upgrades
• Glendon Brook Hall – Public toilet upgrades
• Singleton Preschool – Sensory play lounges for calming spaces
• Kurri Weston District Cricket Club – Major canteen upgrade
• Singleton Australian Football Club – Club rooms fit‑out
• Australian Alpaca Association – Hunter Valley Alpaca Show venue hire
• Singleton NAIDOC Committee – Singleton NAIDOC Awards Night
• Kiray Putjung Aboriginal Corporation – Cessnock NAIDOC Family Day cultural activities

These projects reflect HVO’s ongoing commitment to building community capacity, supporting local wellbeing and creating opportunities for people across the Hunter to engage, learn and thrive.

Read more on our Community page.