Nareena Hills Tennis Club is among the Illawarra recipients of funding to promote participation in sports. Photo: Region.
Sporting groups from Helensburgh to Kiama have been given a funding boost of almost $200,000 to improve facilities, programs, equipment and experiences.
Thirty clubs across the Illawarra have received a share of $4.49 million from the NSW Government to support and encourage participation in sport and active recreation across the state.
Helensburgh Off Road Cycle Club received $19,900 towards its track reconstruction, as part of the Heathcote electorate’s allocation.
In the Keira electorate, nine organisations received funds, including $7350 to Woonona Bulli Bushrangers JRLFC for marquees, $7000 to Nareena Hills Tennis Club for the repair and resurface of a court and $6920 to Woonona Shamrocks Rugby Club to relaunch Shamrocks Junior Rugby.
Other recipients to benefit in Keira include:
- Illawarra District Rugby Union – $5000 for a rugby 7s activation
- Keira Pony Club – $5000 for equipment update
- University of Wollongong Hockey Club – $5000 for coach and umpire development programs
- Figtree Crushers Rugby League Football Club – $4957 for a PA system and volunteer development
- Russell Vale Junior Soccer Club – $4798 for training and playing goal upgrades
- Corrimal Rangers Football Club – $3907 for the Corrimal Women’s Football 2026 Launch.
Western Suburbs Senior Rugby League Football Club is set to receive the biggest portion of the Wollongong electorate’s allocation with a $15,000 boost to install new water tanks at its home ground.
Figtree RSL Bowling Club Limited will be awarded $10,000 to support hosting the State Bowls Pennant Finals.
Other recipients in the electorate include:
- Wollongong Cardinals Baseball Club – $5000 to upgrade scoring shed
- Illawarra Basketball Association – $5000 to upgrade equipment
- Wollongong District Cricket Club – $5000 for a storage upgrade
- Wollongong Croquet Club Incorporated – $4204 for a field marker and ancillary equipment
- Illawarra District Rugby Union Incorporated – $3696 for a separate rugby 7s activation (alongside a previously mentioned allocation from the Keira electorate)
- Illawarra Triathlon Club – $2100 to renew and replace children’s triathlon vests.
“Wollongong has a proud record of producing outstanding athletes, many of whom began their journeys on local fields, courts, and tracks,” Wollongong MP Paul Scully said,
“Their talents were nurtured through our community sporting clubs, highlighting the vital role these organisations play in developing future champions.
“That’s why funding like this is so important – it gives our clubs the support they need to continue nurturing young talent, creating opportunities for people of all ages, and keeping community sport strong and accessible.”
The $50,000 across the Shellharbour electorate will be split between:
- Oak Flats Swimming Club to train up and coming coaches
- Dapto Swimming Club for training equipment, underwater filming technology and shade tents
- Dapto Chiefs Baseball Club for grandstand seating and concrete base
- Dapto Hockey Club to upgrade training and safety equipment
- Sudu Dragon Boat Club to upgrade the club gym
- Oak Flats Junior Soccer Club for female football promotion and growth.
In Kiama, $10,000 was awarded to Werri Beach Boardriders Club for its trailer project and the same amount to Illawarra District Rugby Union.
Kiama Swimming Club is set to receive $5000 for Building a Stronger Future for Kiama Swim Club, $2518 will go to to Albion Park Crows Junior AFL Club for junior goal post padding, with Albion Park White Eagles Soccer Club successful in receiving $2274 for change room upgrades.
“Sport plays a vital role in bringing the Kiama community together,” Kiama MP Katelin McInerney said.
“These grants are a real investment in the people and clubs who work tirelessly year-round to keep our community active, connected and thriving.
“I’m proud to see local sporting organisations rewarded for their dedication, and I look forward to watching even more of our community enjoy the benefits of these upgrades and investments for years to come.”
Clubs in both Shoalhaven and Engadine also received funds as part of allocations within Kiama and Heathcote.
More than 500 organisations across the state were successful in receiving funding through the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program with grants up to $20,000 available.
For more information on the grant program and when applications open for the next round, visit the NSW Office of Sport website.
