Charlestown clubs secure $50,000 in NSW local sport grants

newy.com.au – Sporting organisations in the Charlestown electorate have secured $50,000 as part of the NSW Government’s $4.49 million Local Sport Grant Program 2025, with funding to support equipment purchases, minor facility upgrades and projects aimed at boosting participation in sport and active recreation.

The successful projects in the electorate include $20,000 for Kahibah Bowling Club to install retractable shades over the bowling green, $20,000 for New Lambton Football Club split between an electric utility buggy and a commercial kitchen upgrade, $6,000 for Garden Suburb Junior Football Club to introduce automated line marking, and $4,000 for Windale Gateshead Bowling Club to improve lighting on the bowling green for evening games.

Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison said the grants would strengthen grassroots sport in the area. “Our local sporting clubs play a vital role in bringing our community together, and I’m thrilled to see this funding backing grassroots projects that will help them thrive,” she said. “These grants will help our local clubs buy vital equipment and resources to enable more people in the Charlestown electorate to participate in sport.” She said she looked forward to seeing “the positive impacts these projects will deliver for our local athletes and community”.

Sport Minister Steve Kamper said the funding would flow to communities across the state. “The Minns Labor Government is backing communities and organisations across NSW to enjoy the benefits of sport and active recreation,” he said. “I congratulate the more than 500 sports organisations across NSW that were successful in securing funding and commend them for their commitment to our collective health, wellbeing, and sense of identity.”

New Lambton Football Club vice president David Thomas said the grant would have a direct impact on the club and its volunteers. “This is an excellent outcome for our club and for the wider community, as it helps us continue delivering a welcoming, accessible, and well-supported football environment for players, families, volunteers, and visitors alike,” he said. “New Lambton Football Club is extremely grateful to have received support through the Local Sport Grant Program. For a community-focused, volunteer-run, not-for-profit club like ours, this assistance makes a real and meaningful difference.”

Garden Suburb Football Club secretary Kirsten Ansell said the funding would ease pressure on volunteers. “Volunteers are the heartbeat of our club, and thanks to the Local Sport Grant Program, Garden Suburb Football Club can invest in a Tiny Robot line marker, giving time back to our players, members, and community,” she said. “We’re so grateful to the NSW Government for supporting grassroots football.”