Port Waratah held their inaugural Pitchfest event where community projects were given the opportunity to gain funding in an inventive and fun way.

The pitchfest was held during Port Waratah’s Community Partner Networking event where community partners from the previous year’s Community Investment and Partnership Program were invited to submit their expressions of interest with six selected to present their pitches.

First prize went to Guy Clegg from Charlie’s Run 4 Kids who made a unique and heartfelt pitch for a Child Life Therapist to assist children undergoing cancer treatment.

All six finalists walked away with funding for their projects, based on the judges scores:
$2,500 – Charlies Run 4 Kids, Child Life Therapist
$1,500 – Conservation Volunteers Australia, World Environment Day Tree Planting Challenge
$1,000 – OzHarvest, NEST; Stockton Public School; iPads 21st Century Learning
$500 – Great Lifestyles of Wickham (GLOW), Harmony Day; Newcastle Basketball, Safe Entry for the Stadium

The CEO of Port Waratah, Hennie du Plooy said, “Our Community Investment and Partnership Program is something we are very proud to share with the Newcastle and Hunter Region.”

“Providing funding is just the start, the real heroes are the people and organisations out in the community using those funds to do good.

“We are very privileged to be partnering with them. In 2017 Port Waratah provided $747,125 to 112 community organisations, initiatives and events.”