Special Business Rates (SBR) are collected from businesses in Newcastle City Centre / Darby Street, Hamilton, Mayfield, New Lambton and Wallsend, and are reserved exclusively for the promotion, beautification and development of these business precincts. Annual funding for the most creative and innovative project proposals is distributed through a competitive application process.

In 2026/27 the SBR City contestable funding program offers $880,000 for projects that benefit the City Centre / Darby Street SBR precinct.

Join this convenient information session online as we detail the eligibility criteria, assessment criteria and application process, as well as provide the chance to ask any questions you may have.

To view the boundaries of each of Newcastle's business precincts where Special Business Rates are collected, click on the Special Business Rate Precinct Maps. For more information on the eligibility requirements and assessment criteria for SBR funding, please read the SBR Expenditure Policy and the SBR Program Funding Guidelines.

Contact the host of Special Business Rates City Centre / Darby Street Contestable Round 2026 - Information Session