We contribute to a smart, sustainable and vibrant Newcastle
Port Waratah is committed to proactively engaging with our stakeholders. We strive to build strong relationships through open, timely and two-way communication and continually improving our engagement methods and activities.
Our engagement approach includes the six-monthly Local Voices Community Survey, quarterly community meetings, direct engagement with portside community groups, industry forums, a 24-hour enquiry line, social media, website enquiry form and tour programme.
We contribute to the local economy by buying and employing locally and support sustainability and resilience of the local community through our Community Investment and Partnership Programme.
In 2021, we spent $85.5 million in the Hunter and Central Coast regions, representing 78 per cent of our total spend. Our Community Investment and Partnership Programme invested $750,000 across 137 projects, initiatives and events focused on building capacity, skills and knowledge within local individuals and organisations.
Case Study
Making Waves Foundation
In December 2021, the Winds of Joy Programme with the Making Waves Foundation launched in Newcastle offering sailing opportunities to children with a disability and for many the Programme is the first step on a journey of change.
Previously, the Programme was only offered for one week per year, but now with a multi-year partnership established with Port Waratah, the Programme will have a permanent presence in Newcastle with a dedicated yacht. It is expected that more than 1,000 children from the Newcastle and Hunter Region will participate in the uplifting sailing programme over the next 12 months, offering new horizons and the realisation that they don’t need to be defined or confined by their circumstances.
All Making Waves yachts are adapted to take wheelchairs and equipped with an electronic joystick, allowing almost everyone on board to experience steering the yacht. Skippers and volunteers are trained to offer support, kindness and a positive environment, encouraging the participants and stimulating their imaginations.
Case Study
Community Meeting Group
Our Community Meeting Group is an important part of our connection and engagement with our local community. The volunteers are representatives of community organisations and are based in our portside suburbs. They are dedicated community-minded people caring for not only their local neighbourhoods but advocating for Newcastle and the region through our quarterly meetings. Meetings have been facilitated since 2008, with the current format in place for 10 years. Members worked collaboratively to develop the Community Dashboard, which provides a performance snapshot material to our local community each quarter.
Through the meetings, we seek input from our Group members on key focus areas, such as impacts of climate change and energy transition, regional infrastructure projects, social licence and strategic planning and help us develop improvement opportunities and make informed decisions. The meetings are also a transparent dialogue where members can raise material interests or community concerns and we can openly discuss performance and contributions matters.
To find out more about our Community Meetings, visit Community News and Updates on our website at pwcs.com.au.
Case Study
Ensuring business continuity through procurement practices
In 2021, one of the primary roles of procurement was to ensure operations could continue throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The key objective was to develop transparent and dynamic relationships with our suppliers in anticipation of challenges.
While the global supply chain is continuing to present increasing difficulty for the availability of products, our local suppliers for Covid safety-related products, such as masks, sanitiser and cleaning solutions, were outstanding in the delivery of service and product.
The sourcing of replacement equipment and fabrication materials is still an ongoing challenge however, we have been greatly supported by our local suppliers who have adjusted and responded to the new environment. Their focus on scheduling of our inventory supplies and flexibility in sourcing alternative products have significantly helped sustain our operations. We are proud to work with local business partners, continuing our support for local businesses.