ClubsNSW Award: Fostering Grassroots Sport
community strong
Wests Illawarra wins prestigious ClubsNSW Award for Fostering Grassroots Sport
23rd June 2025: Wests Illawarra has been recognised at the 2025 ClubsNSW Clubs & Community Awards, winning the prestigious Fostering Grassroots Sport category in a highly competitive field at the state-wide ceremony held in Sydney last Friday.
The award honours Wests Illawarra’s ongoing investment in junior and senior local sports – from rugby league, swimming and cricket to hockey, athletics and darts – through long-standing funding partnerships that keep sport affordable, inclusive, and thriving across the region.
In 2024 alone, Wests Illawarra contributed nearly half a million dollars ($490,000) in funding to 16 sporting and social clubs, supporting everything from playing kits and equipment to elite coaching programs, ground maintenance, and new competitions. A women’s social cricket league and grassroots girls’ netball and hockey pathways were also funded.
Wests Illawarra Chief Financial Officer, Renata Garnero said Wests Illawarra’s commitment to sport goes far beyond the field: “Our investment in grassroots sport is about much more than the game – it’s about helping kids and adults stay active, connected and confident. It’s about creating access and opportunity for everyone, no matter their age or ability,” Ms Garnero said.
“To be recognised at a state level, among such strong competition from other clubs around the state, is a huge honour for our team and the amazing clubs we support every year.”
Wests Illawarra’s impact is evident in a 333% increase in participation in local girls’ cricket, junior rugby league kits for more than 400 young players, and impressive growth across clubs like the Unanderra Hearts, Kembla Joggers, and Wests Darts Club.
“Our partnerships mean children engaged in sport can dream big – and some already are, with many of our juniors going on to represent NSW and Australia in their sport,” Ms Garnero added.
The Clubs & Community Awards recognise the positive impact clubs make in their local communities. The Fostering Grassroots Sport category celebrates clubs that champion access to physical activity and sporting opportunity at a community level.
For media enquiries and interviews please contact:
Lisa Burling, Managing Director, Grass Is Greener Marketing Communications
lisa@gigmarketing.com.au or 0429 976 718
