Three organisations delivering healthcare across New England have received funding through the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation’s 2026 Grassroots Grants program, supporting everything from Indigenous maternal health to emergency patient retrievals.
Coolamon Community Incorporated will use $50,000 to expand its support for Indigenous mothers and babies, providing culturally safe care packages that include safe sleep spaces, nappies, wraps, breastfeeding supplies and culturally appropriate health information. The funding will allow the organisation to extend the program to 140 Indigenous mothers and babies across New England, the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers over the next 12 months.
Coolamon CEO Evie Wood said the funding represented a long-term commitment to Aboriginal health services.
“The funding reflects a long-term commitment to Aboriginal health services, giving women reliable support that won’t disappear.
“For many, this is the first gift they receive — a complete, culturally safe package with everything their baby needs, offering both dignity and a strong connection to care.”
CareFlight has received $45,000 to strengthen aeromedical patient retrievals for communities across Tamworth, Armidale and the wider New England region. The funding will go towards a Schiller Touch 7 Patient Monitor, improving clinical monitoring and emergency response capability during patient transfers for rural and regional patients requiring specialist care.
CareFlight National Medical Director Toby Fogg said the support would directly benefit regional patients.
“Their contribution helps our crews deliver hospital-grade monitoring and emergency intervention during transport, improving access to critical healthcare services for our patients in regional locations.”
Rural Doctors Foundation will receive $38,000 to improve early detection and treatment of ear disease in rural communities. The Improving Rural Ear Disease Care project will equip nine rural medical practices with portable diagnostic tools and training, helping doctors and nurses identify and treat chronic ear conditions earlier.
RSPCA NSW also received $40,000 to expand its Healthy Pet Day program across New England, the Central Coast and Mid North Coast, providing veterinary care and support for vulnerable pet owners.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation spokesperson and NGM Group Chief Distribution Officer Paul Juergens said grassroots organisations played a critical role in regional healthcare.
“In regional areas, access to healthcare can often depend on the strength of local services and community organisations.
“Across New England, these initiatives are helping ensure people can access earlier intervention, practical healthcare support and critical medical services closer to home.”
This grant round has seen more than $800,000 awarded to grassroots organisations across regional NSW. Established in 2003, the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has now contributed more than $27 million to community organisations across the state
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