Illawarra Clubs Supporting Essential Services

In the 2025 Gaming Year, more than $249,000 has been contributed to initiatives supporting food security, cost-of-living relief and homelessness. 

This funding has been made possible through contributions from clubs across the region, including Berkeley Sports Club, Collegians RLFC Balgownie, Collegians Rugby League Football Club, Dapto Leagues Club, Illawarra Master Builders Club, Illawarra Yacht Club, Oak Flats Bowling & Recreation Club, Shellharbour Workers Club, Tradies Helensburgh, Warilla Bowling & Recreation Club, and Western Suburbs Leagues Club Illawarra. 

Clubs are backing initiatives that make a real and immediate difference, supporting frontline organisations that deliver essential services and ensuring help reaches those who need it most. 

The ClubGrants advertising campaign will be delivered across a mix of geo-targeted marketing channels throughout the Illawarra/Shoalhaven region, including: 

• Thirty-second radio ads across i98 and Wave FM, airing Monday to Friday in breakfast and drive programs. 
• Print advertising in the local Illawarra Mercury newspaper. 
• A combination of organic and paid social media activity. 

A significant portion of funding has gone towards food security, helping organisations respond to growing demand as cost-of-living pressures continue to rise. Groups such as Need a Feed Australia, Foodbank NSW & ACT, OzHarvest and local food relief providers are using this funding to support individuals and families experiencing hardship. 

Funding has also supported a range of programs focused on homelessness and housing support. Organisations including Supported Accommodation and Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra, Wollongong Homeless Hub and Housing Services, and St Vincent de Paul Society are delivering critical services, from emergency accommodation to outreach and ongoing support. 

These initiatives are helping people experiencing or at risk of homelessness access safe housing, essential services and pathways to stability. 

By partnering with trusted organisations, Illawarra clubs are delivering practical support, strengthening local services and helping ensure no one is left behind. 

Each contribution reflects a shared commitment across the industry to give back and support local areas where it matters most. The combined funding highlights the strength of the ClubGrants program in responding to real community need at a local level. 

Should you wish to view this campaign, you can download the digital assets here. 

As the NSW Government reviews the ClubGrants scheme, it presents an opportunity to highlight the long-lasting positive impact created by NSW clubs.

This ClubGrants campaign series will continue to focus on how clubs, through the ClubGrants scheme, provide immeasurable support to numerous initiatives that improve the lives of those in their communities. Previous campaigns include: 

Clubs invest in the next generation across Sydney’s CBD and Eastern Suburbs 

Clubs across Sydney’s CBD and Eastern Suburbs are continuing to invest in the next generation, with more than $340,000 provided through ClubGrants to youth-focused initiatives. This funding is helping local organisations deliver positive outcomes for young people while strengthening communities across the region. Click here to read more. 

How Northern Beaches Clubs Are Helping to Keep Swimmers Safe 

Through the ClubGrants program, registered clubs are supporting surf lifesaving across the Northern Beaches. Funding is strengthening frontline safety, youth participation, inclusion and volunteer wellbeing. This includes inclusive Nippers programs at North Steyne, new rescue equipment at Queenscliff and improved mental health support for more than 19,000 volunteers. Click here to read more. 

Southern Sydney Clubs Unite to Give Back Over $2.7 Million 

Through the ClubGrants program, 31 local Southern Sydney clubs have donated more than $2.7 million in the past year to support grassroots initiatives, charities and vital community services. From funding junior sports teams to providing meals for those experiencing hardship, these contributions are helping to build stronger, safer and more connected communities. Click here to read more. 

Murray River Clubs Championing Inclusion and Opportunity 

Clubs across the Murray region are proudly supporting Community Living & Respite Services (CLRS), helping to advance its mission of fostering inclusion, independence and opportunity for people with disabilities. Through this partnership, clubs are contributing to stronger, more connected communities where everyone has the chance to thrive. Click here to read more. 

Clubs and PCYC Building Stronger Futures in the New England Tablelands 

Clubs in the New England Tablelands are partnering with PCYC to deliver life-changing programs for young people, including driver education, youth leadership and outreach services designed to create safer, stronger communities. Click here to read more. 

Fairfield Clubs United Against Domestic Violence 

Five clubs in Fairfield have joined forces to tackle domestic and family violence by supporting the SWAGS program, which provides critical resources and case management to vulnerable women and children escaping abuse. Click here to read more. 

Clubs in the Central West Committed to Supporting Young People 

Clubs across the Central West region are investing in youth-focused initiatives, including scholarships, mentorship programs and essential services to help young people build positive futures. Click here to read more. 

North Ryde RSL, Ryde-Eastwood Leagues and Gladesville RSL Donate $25,000 to Fight Hunger 

Three Ryde area clubs have contributed $25,000 to organisations such as Sydney Community Services, ensuring local families receive food hampers and essentials during times of need. Click here to read more. 

Macarthur Clubs Fund Lifesaving AED Installations 

Wests Group Macarthur, Campbelltown Catholic Club and Ingleburn RSL have committed $600,000 to purchase and install Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in homes across the Macarthur region, helping to save lives in cardiac emergencies. Click here to read more. 

Illawarra & South Coast Clubs Back Lifeline South Coast 

Six clubs have collectively pledged $80,000 through ClubGrants to support Lifeline South Coast’s suicide prevention and crisis support services, strengthening community mental health resources. Click here to read more. 

Central Coast Clubs Make a Splash for Surf Life Saving 

Eleven clubs on the Central Coast have contributed over $150,000 to local surf life saving clubs, funding vital training, equipment and rescue services to keep beachgoers safe. Click here to read more. 

Spotlight on Clubs’ Support for Rugby League 

Registered clubs contribute tens of millions of dollars each year to rugby league through ClubGrants, underwriting grassroots development, facilities and participation across NSW. Click here to read more. 

Tweed Clubs Recognised for Supporting Children with Disabilities 

Nine clubs in Tweed Shire have provided $320,000 in ClubGrants to Shaping Outcomes, an early intervention service empowering children with disabilities and developmental delays. Click here to read more. 

Newcastle & Hunter Clubs Have Got Your Back 

Seven clubs in Newcastle and the Hunter region have granted over $47,000 to Got Your Back Sista, enabling one-on-one case management for more than 50 women and providing vital support to families starting over. Click here to read more. 

More key areas will be highlighted in regions across the state.   

ClubGrants is one of Australia’s largest and most established grant programs and is a partnership between ClubsNSW and the NSW Government. It commenced in 1998 to formalise the longstanding practice of clubs responding and contributing to local community needs. 

Over $126 million in financial support for community services, projects and programs was provided in the year to 31 August 2025 under the ClubGrants scheme. That figure exceeded the mandatory contribution required under the Guidelines by over $47 million. 

If you have a ClubGrants story you want to highlight, email [email protected].