Celebrating Community Impact Through Sutherland Shire ClubGRANTS Category 1

18 Sept

Recipients of Sutherland Shire Category 1 ClubGRANTS were recently recognised at a special event held at Cronulla RSL.

The morning was an opportunity to celebrate the incredible work being done across our community — from grassroots initiatives to larger programs that provide vital services and support. Cronulla RSL were honoured to host the event and to stand beside so many inspiring organisations that make the Sutherland Shire a stronger, more connected place.

The ClubGRANTS scheme is a shared State Government-Club Industry program, funded by a 2.25% gaming machine tax rebate provided by the State Government to those registered clubs with gaming machine profits in excess of $1 million per annum.

This year, the Sutherland Shire ClubGRANTS Category 1 program focused on supporting initiatives that address some of the most pressing needs in our community. Funding priorities included:

Programs targeting the problematic use of alcohol and other drugs
Emergency relief, homelessness, and domestic violence
Engagement with at-risk youth
Services for older people, including Veteran Welfare Services
Programs supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
Disability programs supporting education, employment, and independence
Programs supporting mental health and well-being, and creating community connections

Through this initiative, local clubs are able to give back directly to the community, supporting projects that address these areas and deliver meaningful outcomes for people across the Sutherland Shire. This year 13 local clubs have contributed a combined total of over $550,000 in financial support.

Clubs involved in the Sutherland Shire Commitee for 2025 included The Arbour Heathcote, Bundeena CSC Cabra Bowls Group, Club Central Menai, Club Cronulla, Club Engadine, Cronulla RSL, Engadine Bowling Club, Club on East, Miranda RSL Diggers, Tradies, The Point, Sharks at Kareela & Woolooware Golf Club.

We extend our congratulations to all recipients and thank them for the impact they continue to create in the lives of so many.

To learn more about the program and future funding opportunities, visit https://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/living-here/community-support/grants/community-grants

Cronulla RSL is proud to have supported a range of local organisations through the ClubGRANTS Category 1 program in 2025. These organisations include.

Cronulla RSL is proud to support the Cronulla Community Café, which has been serving vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the community since 2006. Run entirely by volunteers, the Café provides free healthy meals, baked goods, social activities, clothing, hampers, and access to fresh produce and groceries for those in need. Our ClubGRANT funding helps cover essential costs such as ingredients, fresh fruit and vegetables, while our Trees of Hope initiative assists with promoting their services—ensuring the Café can continue offering care, connection, and support each week. Learn more.
This funding will help Cronulla RSL Sub-Bracnch preserve our community’s history and heritage through commemorative services such as the ANZAC Day Dawn Service, Vietnam Veterans’ Day, and Remembrance Day, as well as the upkeep of local memorials. It ensures these important events continue to honour the past, educate the community, and strengthen unity and resilience, while also supporting local tourism and businesses. Learn more.
This funding will help the Family of League Foundation, provide financial, emotional, and social assistance to individuals and families within the rugby league community facing illness, disability, bereavement, or financial hardship. Their support includes grants for everyday essentials, cost-of-living expenses, medical care, and specialist equipment, as well as personal visits and ongoing contact for those experiencing illness or isolation. With this funding, the Foundation aims to increase the number of people it assists, building on the lives already improved in the past year. Learn more.
This funding will help support LifeUnleashed by Integra Service Dogs, which has placed over 160 certified service dogs with veterans and first responders living with PTSD across Australia, including in our local area. These psychiatric assistance dogs are trained to detect distress, interrupt symptoms, and provide vital grounding and emotional support, helping their handlers meet recovery goals and re-engage with family and community life. By reducing reliance on medication, encouraging exercise, and even saving lives in crisis situations, these service dogs transform the wellbeing of both individuals and their families. Funding ensures ongoing training, support, and care for a dog-handler team. Learn more.
This funding will help Waves of Wellness deliver a free, 8-week surf therapy program at Cronulla Beach for local veterans. Combining group discussions led by mental health professionals with learn-to-surf sessions in a safe, trauma-informed environment, the program aims to reduce PTSD symptoms, build resilience, and foster social connection. By blending psychological support with the therapeutic benefits of the ocean, it offers veterans an accessible, non-clinical space to improve wellbeing and re-engage with their community. Learn more.

To learn more about organisations and initiatives supported by Cronulla RSL, through Category 2 ClubGRANTS, Sponsorship & In-Kind visit https://www.cronullarslcommunity.com.au/current-friends.