There were nine recipients in Port Macquarie, including four community groups and five schools.

CUP Grants of up to $1,000 were awarded to recipients to support the development of the regions through contributions to cultural, economic and sporting activities and building higher education aspiration.

Grants were available in the categories of art and culture, education, environmental sustainability, health and wellbeing and sport.

This year, a total of $59,972 worth of grants was awarded to 62 community and school groups in the University's campus footprint.

The money will be used to fund projects in Port Macquarie such as a 3D scanner at Hastings Secondary College Port Macquarie Campus, botanical couture exhibition at Creative Comboyne and a wellness walk hosted by Endeavour Mental Health Recovery.

CSU director of external engagement in Port Macquarie Kate Wood-Foye congratulated the winners and said it was wonderful to see funding go to a wide array of worthy projects to benefit the community.

"The Community University Partnership Grants received a strong response from schools and community groups in 2021," she said.

"Charles Sturt University is delighted to provide funding to assist in enabling projects that will benefit the community and I am excited to see these projects come to life."

The Hastings Secondary College Westport Campus received funding for a series of school ground murals to brighten and activate the English faculty and contribute to a welcoming learning environment and Positive Behaviour for Learning for students.

Artist Damon Moroney from Iknograffix transformed the corridor with a representation of the native bushland and the Port Macquarie lighthouse.

Westport Campus principal Ian Ross is hoping the mural reinvigorates students.

"The aesthetic feature of a school can foster a strong sense of belonging that, in turn, can generate an enthusiasm for learning," he said.

"The overall impression of the learning environment reflects the personality of a place."