Community investment

Community investment program

Orica Kooragang Island is committed to playing an active role in the local community by supporting initiatives that deliver meaningful benefits to the community.

The Orica Kooragang Island Community Investment Program supports causes, events and programs that align with our values and contribute positively to the community. We provide up to $10,000 per project twice each year following an application process, details are provided below.

Projects, activities or events must address one or more of the following focus areas:

  • Environment and sustainability
  • Education and lifelong learning
  • Strong communities

Applications are assessed by the Orica Kooragang Island Community Investment Program assessment panel, which comprises three Orica employees and three community representatives nominated by Orica Kooragang Island.

Community investments

Find out how some of our community initiatives and the Orica Kooragang Island Community Investment Program have made a difference in our community.

 SOUL Cafe

As the COVID-19 pandemic hit, SOUL cafe jumped into action to support and protect some of the most vulnerable members of the community.

Variety The Children’s Charity 

Learn how the Variety Children’s Charity supported vulnerable children to continue their studies virtually during the pandemic.

Annual application schedule

The Orica Kooragang Island Community Investment Program offers two funding rounds each year:

Round 1, 2026—applications run from 1 March 2026 to 31 March 2026.

Round 2, 2026—applications run from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026.

Download the application guidelines (PDF 166.7 KB) and application form (PDF 347.5 KB).

Assessment panel members

Applications are assessed by members of Orica Kooragang Island Community Investment Program assessment panel.

Julie Ainsworth

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Julie is former General Manager of Newcastle Papers including the Newcastle Herald.

John Tate

John Tate


John is the former Newcastle Lord Mayor and Chair of the Newcastle Community Consultative Committee on the Environment.

Bob Hawes

Bob Hawes


Bob is the CEO of the Hunter Business Chamber.

Viney Kumar

Viney is Manufacturing Centre Manager of Orica Kooragang Island.

Nicole Masson 

Nicole Masson


Nicole is Community Relations Specialist for Orica Kooragang Island.

Paul Cunsolo


Paul is Safety, Heath, Environment and Security Senior Manager for Orica Kooragang Island.

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