WA Government Boosts Grassroot Sports in New Grant

Avatar
sporting grants
Image credit: WA Sport and Recreation

The Western Australian Government have announced $4.3 million in funding for new sports equipment and facility upgrades for sporting organisations as part of this year’s state election commitments.

The funding will benefit a variety of 189 sporting organisations across the state, selected in the first batch of grants this year.

Among those chosen is Carramar Shamrock Rovers FC with a $50,000 grant for equipment and game day uniforms.

Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti stated the funding boost will help grassroots sport grow and thrive across Western Australia.

“Local sport is at the heart of our community and this funding will make a real difference to the volunteers, participants and families who keep our clubs going by providing the resources they need to offer safe and inclusive opportunities for everyone,” she said via statement.

“This is not only an investment in sports equipment and infrastructure, but also an investment in bringing people together through healthier, more connected communities

“I look forward to announcing further funding recipients as the State Government continues to deliver on its election commitments to WA community sporting groups.”

The new grants have accomplished State election commitments to aid local sport with much-needed upgrades, announcing the achieved promise alongside the state sporting initiative, PlayOn WA: 2030 by 2030.

PlayOn WA: 2030 by 2030’s mission is to deliver 2,030 community sport and recreation infrastructure items across WA by the year 2030.

The grant will deliver new equipment like uniforms, balls, kit bags, goal nets, vehicles, trailers, padding and protective gear, as well as anything grass roots sporting clubs need.

Additionally, regional sporting clubs will receive funding through the State’s nine Regional Development Commissions as well as upgrades to the infrastructure of 41 PlayOn facilities like scoreboards, storage, seating and shade structures.

Among the list of sporting clubs presented in the statement by the WA state government, soccer is underrepresented with only one football club listed as receiving grant money.

Carramar Shamrock Rovers FC were approached for comment.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Community consultation opens for Ashburton’s Warner Reserve pavilion upgrade

Avatar
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.

SBS confirms exclusive Australian rights to 2030 FIFA World Cup

Avatar
Editorial credit: kovop

SBS has officially secured the exclusive Australian broadcast rights to the 2030 FIFA World Cup, meaning Australians will again be able to watch all 104 matches of the tournament live and free. The network will carry the tournament across television, video and radio and, as with 2026, all games will be streamed via SBS On Demand. 

The agreement was confirmed on 1 September, and will see the long-running partnership between the broadcaster and FIFA extend to 44 years. SBS first broadcast the World Cup 1986, when Argentina won the tournament in Mexico.

SBS Managing Director Jane Palfreyman said the World Cup remained central to the broadcaster’s role in Australian football, bringing Australians together across cultures, languages and communities.

The new deal follows a strong 2026 edition. More than 18 million Australians watched the coverage, while SBS also recorded more than 209 million hours of consumption across its World Cup content. Approximately 55 per cent of this consumption came via digital platforms. SBS offered full matches alongside shorter ‘mini match’ recaps through SBS On Demand.

First reporting that SBS and FIFA had extended their partnership emerged in July, although had remained unconfirmed until this point.

The latest announcement confirms that reporting. The earlier report also highlighted the importance of the deal for Australian football fans. SBS would retain a free-to-air pathway to every World Cup match. The deal also gives certainty around one of the biggest sporting properties in the world. This is particularly relevant as FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino come under increased pressure.

The 2022 edition saw FIFA increase its valuation over broadcast rights, with key markets such as China having a price tag of $349 million ($250 million USD) from the governing body. For Australian football, the significance goes beyond the tournament itself.

The World Cup remains one of the sport’s biggest drivers of mainstream attention. Keeping every match live and free gives Australian fans continued access to the competition without a subscription barrier.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend