Our Sustainability
Sustainability isn’t just something we talk about, it’s something we live and lead. From major solar investments to local environmental partnerships, our Club is committed to reducing our carbon footprint and helping create a cleaner, greener Lake Macquarie.
Brian Ellis Boat Shed Doubles Down on Solar – 2025
In 2025, we took another huge step forward with the Brian Ellis Boat Shed undergoing a major solar upgrade.
Originally installed with 20 panels, the Boat Shed now features 56 solar panels delivering a powerful 15.84kW system, installed by local provider Reclaim Solar Energy.
This expansion is part of our long-term commitment to clean, zero-emission energy. Combined with the 220-panel array on our main clubhouse roof, Belmont 16s now boasts a total of 276 solar panels across the site driving down emissions and long-term operational costs.
Environmental impact of the upgrade:
- 20 tonnes of CO₂ avoided annually
- Equivalent to 3,872 trees planted over 10 years
Local Partnerships Creating Real Change
In addition to our energy initiatives, our environmental impact stretches into the community through several grassroots partnerships and projects:
- Weed removal funding in Green Point Reserve tin partnership with Landcare
- Sustainable harvest garden project at Belmont High School
- Support for “Pimp My Jetty”, an innovative habitat restoration project led by a local marine biologist to grow mussels that help filter microplastics in Lake Macquarie
- Use of local suppliers to support sustainable regional economies
Every project reflects our core value of community-first thinking, where environmental outcomes and local collaboration go hand in hand.
Want to Have Your Say on Our Sustainability Direction?
We’re shaping our future with your feedback. Complete our 2025 Member Survey this July for your chance to WIN a $50 Club gift voucher and help us decide our next big sustainability initiatives.
👉 Complete the survey here »
Want to learn more about Sustainability ?!
Get Inspired at the Sounds of Sustainability Fair
We’re proud sponsors of this fantastic event hosted by the Valentine Area Sustainability Group. Learn how to live greener, smarter, and more affordably with tips from locals, stalls, and hands-on experiences.
📍 Allambee Park, Valentine
📅 Saturday, 10 August 2025
🕘 Free entry | Family friendly
👉 Want to learn more about sustainable living? Read more about the Sounds of Sustainability fair here
When selecting our impact partners, we focus on five key areas:
Impact Partnerships
Looking ahead, together.
For over two years now, Belmont 16s Sailing Club has been building something deeper than a typical sustainability program. We’ve been fostering a long-term commitment to environmental action and we’ve been doing it side by side with local community organisations who care about Lake Macquarie just as much as we do.
This isn’t about ticking boxes or one-off projects. It’s about backing the people, programs and places that are shaping a healthier future for our lake and our community.
As we look forward, we’re actively inviting expressions of interest for our next Impact Partnership. We’re on the lookout for local, not-for-profit groups with an environmental project in mind, whether it’s restoration, education, clean energy, biodiversity, waste reduction or something new entirely.
We believe that real progress happens when committed people come together to solve problems creatively. That’s where partnerships matter.
We’re especially interested in projects that:
- Help restore or protect Lake Macquarie’s natural assets
- Improve sustainable practices in our community
- Educate or engage the next generation of environmental leaders
- Could benefit from funding, visibility or hands-on support
If you know of a local group with a project like this or you’re part of one, we’d love to hear from you.
To apply or suggest a partner:
Please send a short overview of the initiative, along with funding needs and contact details, to info@16s.com.au.