Sporting organisations in the Charlestown electorate have shared in $4.49 million in funding following the awarding of the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program 2025.

The Program provides grants for minor facility upgrades, new equipment, and programs that support and encourage participation in sport and active recreation in NSW.

Grants up to $20,000 were available, with $50,000 awarded to support projects across the Charlestown electorate, including:

• Kahibah Bowling Club- $20,000 to install retractable shades over the bowling green to protect players and spectators from sun exposure.
• New Lambton Football Club- $11,000 to purchase an electric utility buggy to improve game-day setup efficiency and volunteer capacity, and $9,000 to upgrade the commercial kitchen facilities to improve food service at games and events.
• Garden Suburb Junior Football Club- $6,000 toward automated line marking to improve efficiency and reduce volunteer burnout.
• Windale Gateshead Bowling Club- $4,000 to enhance lighting on the bowling green to support evening games.

For more information on the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program, visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/local-sport-grant-program

Quotes attributable to the Hon Jodie Harrison MP, Member for Charlestown:

“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.

“These grants will help our local clubs buy vital equipment and resources to enable more people in the Charlestown electorate to participate in sport.

“I congratulate the successful local organisations and look forward to seeing the positive impacts these projects will deliver for our local athletes and community.”

Quotes attributable to the Hon Steve Kamper MP, Minister for Sport:

“The Minns Labor Government is backing communities and organisations across NSW to enjoy the benefits of sport and active recreation.

“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.”

Quotes attributable to David Thomas, New Lambton Football Club Vice President:

“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.

“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."

Quotes attributable to Kirsten Ansell, Garden Suburb Football Club Secretary:

“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.

“We’re so grateful to the NSW Government for supporting grassroots football.”