Community Recovery Grants Program available for those in need from WA

Staff Writer
Community Recovery Grants Program
Image credit: Natee K Jindakum via Shutterstock

The Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries in Western Australia is getting behind the Community Recovery Grants Program.

The grant has been made available to assist communities affected by the events associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie in late 2022.

Funding will go towards rebuilding local groups and community organisations so that they can deliver activities and events to support general social and emotional wellbeing, with access to resources a key pillar of building resilience.

This grant program is part of the Community Social Recovery Program – jointly funded through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The program offers three initiative grant types:

  1. Small Community Initiative Grants for projects ranging from $2500 to $20,000
  2. Large Community Initiative Grants for projects ranging from $20,001 to $100,000.
  3. Additionally, there is an opportunity for claims up to $75,000 for clean-up and repair expenses.

This covers the following four Local Government areas:

  • Shire of Broome
  • Shire of Derby-West Kimberley
  • Shire of Halls Creek
  • Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley

Eligibility to apply will depend on which of the above streams is chosen depending on the organisation.

Organisations who can apply for the Small and Large Community Recovery Grants are:

  • Not-for-profit organisations incorporated either under the Associations Incorporation Act 2015 (WA) or Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) with an Australian Business Number (ABN).
  • Indigenous organisations registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth).
  • Exceptional consideration may also be given for an organisation or agency to auspice an application on behalf of a community group, noting that some community groups may not have capacity to apply for or administer funds.

Organisations who can apply for the Clean-up Recovery Grant are:

  • Not-for-profit organisations incorporated either under the Associations Incorporation Act 2015 (WA) or Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) with an Australian Business Number (ABN).
  • Indigenous organisations registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth) that:
    • relies on grant funding or donations for the majority of income
    • has an active Australian Business Number (ABN) and that ABN was active prior to and during the disaster
    • suffered direct damage as a result of flooding associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie to the organisation’s premise and/or plant and equipment and the cost of repair or replacement are the applicant’s responsibility
    • was conducting operations and/or services (at least sometime on a regular basis) in the disaster area prior to and at the time of the event
    • has, or intends to, re-establish operations/services in the disaster area.

With the Community Recovery Grants remaining open for applications until April 30, 2025 – there is still plenty of time to submit an application.

For full details, you can find them here.

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Inaugural Female Referee Mentoring Program Launched by Football NSW

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Credit: Football NSW

Football NSW has launched the Female Referees Mentoring Program, a groundbreaking initiative which aims to support and develop  female referees throughout the state.

This unique program builds on the groundwork set by recent NSW Football Legacy scholarship initiatives, continuing to create opportunities and support greater gender diversity in football officiating.

It’s another strong example of Football NSW’s ongoing commitment to developing and supporting female referees.

Football NSW’s Referees Development & Education Manager Emma Kocbek highlighted the organisation’s commitment to empowering female referees through mentorship, fostering inclusion and strengthening the game with greater diversity.

“Football NSW is committed to creating an inclusive environment that encourages women to thrive in all aspects of the game,” Kocbek said in a press release.

“This mentoring program is a significant step forward in empowering female referees, providing them with the tools, confidence, and mentorship needed to succeed at higher levels.

“We believe that diverse refereeing panels lead to a more dynamic, fair, and engaging game for everyone.”

The Mentoring Program is designed to support Level 3 and Level 4 female referees by connecting them with experienced mentors.

Through tailored guidance, real-world advice, and ongoing support, participants will grow their skills, build confidence, and develop as leaders on and off the field.

This support will help them advance in their refereeing careers while also playing a part in encouraging more women to get involved in officiating—across NSW and beyond.

This innovative initiative is part of Football NSW’s wider commitment to increasing female involvement and leadership at all levels of the game.

By backing and developing female referees, Football NSW hopes to inspire more women to take up officiating and help build a football community that is more inclusive, diverse, and representative of everyone who loves the game.

Football NSW’s Head of Women’s and Schools Football Hayley Todd emphasised that ongoing government funding is vital to grow mentoring programs, boost referee numbers, and build a stronger, more supportive sporting community.

“Government funding plays a crucial role in the successful implementation and growth of the mentoring programs,” Todd said in a press release.

“As participation numbers continue to rise, sustained investment is essential to ensure we are not only increasing the number of referees but also enhancing their skills and confidence.

“By prioritising this investment, we can build a more robust and well-supported sporting community that benefits players, coaches, and referees alike.”

In the coming weeks, Football NSW will be working closely with Referee Branches to identify both mentors and mentees for the program.

This project is proudly backed by the NSW Office of Sport through the NSW Football Legacy Program, and by the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care through its Play Our Way Program.

Minns Labor Government announces commitment to women’s football legacy

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Credit: Northern NSW Football

The Minns Labor Government has announced an investment of $400,000 towards women’s football as a bonus of NSW hosting 11 games at the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

The NSW Football Legacy Program includes five key initiatives designed to grow and support women’s football at every level, ensuring a lasting impact from NSW hosting matches during the tournament — including the Final at Stadium Australia on 21 March.

Here’s what the program offers:

  • Women in Leadership Program: Designed to boost confidence and leadership skills among women in football, helping them step into or grow in leadership roles while building a strong network of advocates for the game.
  • Body Image and Wellbeing Program: Aimed at female players aged 13 to 18 in the National Premier League, this initiative focuses on promoting healthy body image and overall wellbeing.
  • Flexible Football Initiative: Introduces more accessible and adaptable ways for women to get involved in grassroots football, removing traditional barriers to participation.
  • Coach and Referee Mentor Program: Helps develop a strong network of female coaches and referees by pairing them with experienced mentors, creating role models and encouraging more women to take on these important roles.
  • First Nations Football: Supports young First Nations footballers (aged 14–16) and coaches by providing opportunities to train and grow in high-performance environments.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper stated that the Minns Labor Government aims to build on the success of recent women’s football events to create a lasting, inclusive legacy for women and girls in NSW through the NSW Football Legacy Program.

“Women’s sport has seen tremendous growth and success in recent years, including the unforgettable performances of the Matildas at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023,” Kamper said in a press release.

“The Minns Labor Government wants to ensure that the momentum from that tournament and NSW’s hosting of 11 games at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ leaves a lasting legacy for women’s football in NSW at all levels.

“The initiatives delivered through the NSW Football Legacy Program will ensure football is a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for women and girls to play the World Game.”

Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas welcomed the NSW Government’s support, saying it will help make football more accessible, safe, and inclusive for women and girls as Football NSW works toward gender parity.

“Football NSW has experienced unprecedented growth in female football and we are delighted with the NSW Government’s continued commitment to our game,” Tsatsimas said in a press release

“The initiatives being supported, including the Empower Her body image and wellbeing program, will help to ensure that football is an accessible, safe and enjoyable sport for women and girls across the state.

“We look forward to seeing the impact of these new and expanded programs over the coming years as Football NSW continues towards the goal of gender parity in our game.”

The $400,000 investment and the initiatives within the NSW Football Legacy Program mark a significant step forward in strengthening women’s football across the state.

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