Western Australian Government offers funding for sporting and recreational events

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WA Sport and Recreation Events Funding Program 2023
Image credit: Maxisport via Shutterstock

The Western Australian Government has released details on a financial support program to assist sport and active recreation organisations within the state, in hopes of strengthening and diversifying the sporting and physical activity options for WA and increase participation.

The Sport and Recreation Events Funding Program looks at bolstering the arts, culture, sports, and Indigenous Australian attractions of the state to a global audience.

Grants up to $50,000 are available, with 3 distinct categories on offer:

  1. Event Projects: Funding support for specific sports and recreation projects. Funding of up to $15,000 is available
  2. Event Hosting: Assistance for organisations hosting sports events. Funding up to $50,000 is available.
  3. Country Sport Enrichment Scheme: Focusing on enhancing sports opportunities in regional areas. Funding up to $30,000 is available.

The WA Government is encouraging all groups that qualify to apply, to do so in order to grow the sporting sector of Western Australia. All levels of sporting organisations from local to national are viable to apply, as well as national league clubs, community and recreation organisations, and any other sport clubs.

To be eligible, organisations must have the following:

  • Possess an Australian Business Number (ABN)
  • Hold sufficient insurance cover during the entirety of the grant period (this needs to be provided in application). Public Liability Insurance needs to be set at a minimum of $10 million per claim.
  • The state or national body (if this applies to your organisation) must provide evidence of support of the event being conducted in Western Australia.
  • Compliance with all relevant COVID-19 regulations and safeguards.
  • Be incorporated under the Associations Incorporations Act 2015 (WA) or a company limited by guarantee under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) or a registered local government entity in Western Australia.

For projects to be completed between January and June 2024, applications close at 5pm AWST on Monday, October 16, 2023.

A second round of funding is available for projects for July-December 2024. These will open January 29 next year 9am AWST, and closes February 26 at 5pm AWST, 2024.

It is essential that all applicants read and understand the Sport and Recreation Events Funding Program guidelines prior to submitting an application.

Click here for more information.

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Weston Bears Park to Transform into a State-of-the-Art Sports Hub

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Weston Bears Park upgrade new clubroom facilities

The Weston Bears Park upgrade will deliver modern, accessible facilities for football players, spectators, and the local community in Newcastle. Construction is well underway and the project scheduled to finish by February 2026.

The upgrade is part of Cessnock City Council’s ongoing community projects. It will improve local sports infrastructure and support community engagement. Weston Bears Park hosts daily training and matches for Premier League and junior teams. Additionally, it serves as a venue for community events.

The project includes:

  • Refurbishing the grandstand to create new clubrooms, a canteen, office space, and members’ area

  • Building team change rooms, referee facilities, and a gym

  • Upgrading spectator amenities, including toilets and better access

  • Constructing a new car park and improving landscaping

The Weston Bears Facility Upgrade follows the adoption of the Weston Bears Park Masterplan in September 2020. Council consulted with Weston Bears Football Club, Weston Junior Football Club, Weston Workers Club, and the community. This ensured the upgrades meet the needs of all users.

Funding comes from the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program and Council’s operational budget. This partnership shows a shared commitment to local sport and community wellbeing.

Cessnock City Council Mayor said: “This upgrade marks an exciting step for Weston Bears Park. It will provide modern, accessible facilities for everyone—from grassroots players to long-time supporters. We are proud to invest in infrastructure that brings people together and strengthens our sporting culture.”

Ultimately, the project will transform Weston Bears Park into a state-of-the-art sporting hub. Consequently, it will remain a key centre for football and community activity in Newcastle for many years.

Melbourne’s A-League Rivals Unite to Tackle Racism Through Statewide Initiative

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Melbourne’s A-League rivals Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City have put competition aside to lead a major new anti-racism initiative aimed at promoting inclusion and respect across Victoria.

Backed by the Victorian Government, the Local Anti-Racism Initiatives (LARI) Program will engage more than 10,000 young people over the next four years through athlete-led workshops, football-based education sessions, community visits and school programs. The partnership will culminate in the inaugural Anti-Racism Symposium in 2026, bringing together players, educators and community leaders to share stories and strategies.

Developed initially by Reflect Forward in collaboration with Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), the initiative harnesses the unifying power of football to challenge racism both on and off the field.

To mark the launch, the captains of Victory and City will wear specially designed Reflect Forward armbands during this weekend’s Melbourne Derby – a powerful symbol of solidarity and the clubs’ shared commitment to inclusivity.

Earlier this week, the two clubs co-hosted a special screening of the ABC documentary series End Game at AAMI Park, which explores racism in Australian sport. The event was attended by government officials, media representatives and football stakeholders to celebrate the partnership’s official launch.

Reflect Forward’s Jamal Elsheikh said the collaboration represents the next step in a growing national movement.

“What started as a collaboration between Reflect Forward and PFA in 2021 is now growing – bringing clubs, athletes, and communities together to take real action against racism,” he said.

Melbourne Victory Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, said the club is proud to lead by example.

“By working with Reflect Forward and Melbourne City, we believe we can help decrease the instances of racism in sport. “Collaborating on this project will create places in schools and football clubs that ensure all Victorians feel a greater sense of pride and belonging,” she stated.

Melbourne City’s Head of Community, Sunil Menon, added: “Melbourne City has always believed in the power of football to make a difference. Through our community programs, we’ve seen how the game can bring people together and build understanding across cultures.”

PFA Chief Executive, Beau Busch, said the program highlights players’ ongoing commitment to driving cultural change.

“Australian football is the beneficiary of our multicultural communities and diversity across our nation. With that comes the responsibility to proactively protect those who contribute so much,” he concluded.

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