Aboriginal Affairs NSW releases a grant promoting sports

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Image Credit: NSW Government

New South Wales to release a 2026 NAIDOC Grants Program promoted by the Aboriginal Affairs NSW. Aiming to encourage the development of sporting and cultural events in Aboriginal community living in the Premier state.

The NAIDOC standing for The National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee aims to celebrate and honor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and achievements.

Applications have opened on the 9th of February and will be closing on the 22nd of March 2026. Amounts vary between $1000 to $5000 according to the size of the community and dimension of the project. These grants must be invested in projects taking place between the 1ST of July 2026 and must be completed before 31st of October.

In 2026, it’s $3 million dollars that were invested across three major sectors to support aboriginal communities. Education is one of the sectors that this investment aims to tackle. Up to $1.500 per community can be offered to improve Educational Institutions. Other grants invested on a small or large scale very from $10 000 to $25 000.

Overweight including obesity was the second leading contributor to fatal burden among aboriginal Australians representing 15% of all deaths.

This program aims to support any Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO). Unincorporated Aboriginal group in a current agreement with an eligible organisation as well as a not-for-profit organisation incorporated under the relevant State or Federal legislation and able to demonstrate the delivery of culturally safe projects in collaboration with Aboriginal organisations and/or communities may also be eligible for the grant.

Aligning with the idea of promoting cultural events and sporting activities, the grant covers the purchase of art or cratering supplies as well as payment of artists, Elders or workshop facilitators. Lastly, it allows aboriginal communities to reduce fees for venues or equipment for the purpose of organising events or activities.

This kind of initiatives may inspire other states to provide more support to aboriginal communities across Australia.

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Active Club Program offers South Australian football clubs a funding boost

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Image Credits: Shutterstock 2327752993

South Australian football clubs can tap into another round of government support, with the Active Club Program offering grants of up to $3,000 to help clubs improve participation and strengthen their local communities. The Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing (ORSR) opened its new round of funding on the 28th of August. Clubs have until midday on Wednesday, 14 October 2026 to apply.

The grassroots benefits

The South Australian Government has allocated $1.448 million to the round. Clubs with fewer than 100 members can receive $1,500. Clubs with 100 or more members can receive $3,000. The program targets grassroots sport, including football. It helps clubs purchase equipment and resources that make participation easier and more affordable.

Football clubs can use the funding for sporting equipment, uniforms and protective gear. They can also fund playing venue maintenance equipment, professional development, medical equipment and training. The program also supports projects that improve inclusion. Clubs can use grants for positive health initiatives and hardship subsidies. These measures can help remove barriers that stop people from playing sport.

That focus creates opportunities for football clubs to support more women and girls. It can also help clubs create more welcoming environments for players of different ages and backgrounds. Water and energy efficiency also form part of the program. Clubs can fund eligible initiatives that reduce water use or improve energy efficiency. That could prove particularly valuable for football clubs managing local playing venues and facilities. The program also allows minor club infrastructure upgrades and technology that directly supports participation or club sustainability.

Who is eligible?

To qualify, a club must operate as a not-for-profit sport or active recreation organisation in South Australia. It must have at least 20 members and have operated for at least 12 months.

ORSR will also consider a club’s participation profile when assessing applications. The assessment looks at female and male junior and senior participation, alongside factors such as the club’s affiliation and when it last received Active Club Program funding.

How to apply

The funding can make a direct difference at grassroots level. In the previous round, 558 South Australian clubs shared more than $1.4 million. The government says the investment helped clubs meet essential costs while supporting participation and inclusion.

For football, that support can stretch beyond the playing field. Stronger clubs create more opportunities for players, coaches and volunteers. They also provide places where people can build connections and stay active. Applications for Round 56 will be screened in November, assessed in December, with clubs notified in January 2027.

To learn more about the South Australian Active Club Program, visit their website.

Community consultation opens for Ashburton’s Warner Reserve pavilion upgrade

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Image Credit: City of Boroondara

Community consultation has opened on the proposed redevelopment of the Warner Reserve pavilion in Ashburton. Early planning is underway to modernise the facility and improve amenities for local sporting clubs and community users.

The city of Boroondara has received $80,000 in Victorian Government funding to prepare concept designs. They will undertake community consultation as part of planning for the proposed upgrade.

While construction is currently scheduled for the 2032-33 financial year, the project could be brought forward if additional funding is secured.

The proposed redevelopment would see existing pavilion replaced with a modern facility better positioned to service the reserve. Plans include two new changerooms with toilets and showers, a multipurpose community space with a kitchen and canteen, a first aid room, umpire facilities, an externally accessible public toilet and a covered spectator viewing area.

The proposed new look pavilion at Warner Reserve. Image Credit: City of Boroondara

The concept also allows for the future addition of two extra changerooms, should participation levels continue to grow.

As part of the proposal, the existing playground would be relocated to improve visibility and open space within the reserve. Six trees identified for removal would also be replaced with new plantings elsewhere in Warner Reserve.

Residents, sporting clubs and reserve users are encouraged to provide feedback on the proposal before consultation closes on 15 September. Feedback will help refine the concept design before the project progresses to future planning and funding stages.

If delivered, the redevelopment is expected to improve facilities for local sporting clubs and community groups while providing more inclusive amenities to support growing participation across community sport.

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