Deputy mayor Paul Le Mottee and Port Stephens police commander Superintendent Chad Gillies presented Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Dave Kernick with 6000 face masks, 48 bottles of sanitiser and 200 packets of cleaning wipes last week.

The council has also provided face mask recycling bins.

"These organisations are on the frontline and are doing amazing work. This PPE will better enable them to support the community in this tough time," Cr Le Mottee said.

"In addition to the Karuah LALC, we're providing equipment to youth and family services, surf lifesaving clubs and other Aboriginal services."

Bulk PPE is being made available to councils by Resilience NSW and Healthshare to help community organisations reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Cr Le Mottee said the initiative supports the Local Emergency Management Committee's (LEMC) response to the pandemic.

Mr Kernick said access to PPE was critical to minimising the spread of COVID-19 in the Karuah Mission.

"We're very grateful for the support of the LEMC and to access these supplies, which we'll distribute throughout our community. Many of our people require family, community and medical services now more than ever," he said.

"I want to extend my sincerest thanks to Council, Police and the whole LEMC for supporting us to help our community at this challenging time."

Port Stephens police Inspector and the Local Emergency Operations Controller, Daniel Skelly, said the PPE will help some of our community's most vulnerable.

"Providing this essential equipment will ensure some of our community's most vital organisations can continue to operate safely. Many of these groups are working harder now than ever, and this is when they need our support the most," he said.

"It's great we're able to work together with Port Stephens Council and the entire LEMC to protect these organisations."

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