There have been a number of government announcements about grants this morning, for local sport, active ageing and domestic violence prevention.
Lismore MP Janelle Saffin says sporting organisations across the Lismore electorate can apply for their share of a $50,000 funding pool following the opening of the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program.
Saffin praised local sporting clubs for playing a vital role in their local communities.
‘The Local Sport Grant Program helps these clubs buy vital equipment and resources to continue their great work of bringing communities together to enjoy the benefits of sport and active recreation,’ Ms Saffin said.
‘So, jump online, complete the application and let’s get more kids and adults participating in sport and active recreation across our electorate.’
The program provides grants to community sporting organisations for new equipment, programs and facility upgrades that support and encourage participation in sport and active recreation in NSW.
Last year $4.49 million was awarded across the state for 586 community sport projects.
This year’s program includes grants from $2,000 to $20,000, with up to $50,000 available in each electorate to support projects that increase participation and retention, provide inclusive opportunities for under-represented groups, and strengthen the sustainability, capability and facilities of community sporting organisations.
Applications close 1pm, Monday, 17 August. Visit this link for further information and to apply.
Grants awarded to support active ageing across Northern NSW
Healthy North Coast and Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) have announced the recipients of the 2026–2027 Older Adults Physical Activity Grants Program to help older people stay active, healthy, and connected across Northern NSW.
Ten grants worth more than $150,000 have been awarded to local organisations to deliver tailored physical activity programs for older adults, particularly those who are not currently active or who face barriers such as cost, transport, rurality, chronic conditions, or social isolation.
The funded projects will commence between now and 30 June 2027, with a focus on improving strength, balance, mobility, and social connection, while supporting healthy ageing across the region.
Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler said the strong response to the program reflects the commitment of local organisations to supporting their communities.
‘Regular physical activity plays a critical role in maintaining independence, preventing falls, and supporting mental wellbeing and social connection,’ Ms Wheeler said. ‘These projects show what’s possible when local organisations are supported to deliver practical, community-led solutions that help older people stay active and connected.’
This grants program is delivered in partnership with NNSWLHD and aligns with a preventative health approach to reduce the risk of chronic disease and support people to remain healthy for longer.
Staying active
NNSWLHD Acting Director of Aboriginal Health, Oral Health and Health Promotion, Cameron Johnson said the program supports early intervention and improves access to inclusive, low-cost opportunities for physical activity.
‘By investing in programs that are accessible and culturally appropriate across our region, we can support older people to stay active, reduce their risk of injury and illness, and remain connected to their communities,’ Mr Johnson said.
Successful grant recipients (total funding awarded $150,142):
- Aunty Gwen Cares – Casino Goori’s Living Healthy program, a culturally led healthy ageing initiative for Aboriginal adults aged 45 years and over – $15,000
- Ballina Coast Walking Football Incorporated – Ongoing walking football program for adults aged 50 years and over – $5,676.
- Byron Shire Council – Healthy Ageing Aqua Aerobics program for adults aged 50 years and over – $16,040.
- Lismore Basketball Association Incorporated – Basketball: A Game for Life, a community-based physical activity and social connection program for older adults – $8,150.
- Maclean Football Club Incorporated – Walking football program for adults aged 60 years and over – $9,412.
- Matung Kunarr Aboriginal Corporation – Culturally safe physical activity program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 45 years and over, in Tweed – $15,000.
Meet Move Eat – Chair Yoga and Coffee program for adults aged 50 years and over, or 45 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants, in Uki, Tumbulgum, and Murwillumbah – $27,152. - Nimbin Physical Activities Centre – Exercise equipment for strength, balance, and healthy ageing programs for adults aged 50 years and over – $15,000.
- Northern Rivers Pickleball Association – Structured strength and balance program for adults aged 50 years and over – $14,392.
- Tweed Valley Basketball Association – Walking basketball program for adults aged 50 years and over – $24,320.
Delighted
Tweed Valley Basketball Association President Zac Hoade was excited to accept the grant.
‘With almost half of the Tweed Shire’s population aged over 50, there is a clear and growing need for accessible, low‑impact ways to stay active and connected. We are delighted to receive this grant funding to keep this program affordable and accessible for the entire Tweed community,’ he said.
‘Walking Basketball fills an important gap in our region, offering a safe and supportive environment for older residents to re-engage with the sport they love or try something entirely new. It’s about keeping our community moving, reducing isolation and ensuring that everyone – regardless of age or ability – can participate and belong.’
The grants were assessed against criteria including community need, accessibility, inclusiveness, and the ability to deliver sustainable, locally relevant programs.
A second grant round will open later this year.
Grants now open to prevent gender-based violence
The NSW government says it’s working with local communities to build a safer state through the 16 Days of Activism Grant Program, helping to stop violence before it starts.
The $100,000 grant program supports activities delivered by grassroots organisations during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from 25 November to 10 December each year.
Funding of between $2,500 and $5,000 is available for initiatives that support community action to address the drivers of gender-based violence and help change the attitudes and behaviours that tolerate or condone violence against women.
Last year, 20 innovative initiatives were run across NSW during the 16 Days of Activism, including local awareness workshops, creative social media campaigns and prevention awareness events.
Taking place in community, workplaces, educational or sporting settings, the activities engaged young people, boys and men, and whole communities to promote respectful relationships and reinforce social norms that reject violence and support gender equality.
Participating organisations reported a positive shift in community awareness, attitudes or engagement relating to the gendered drivers of violence.
This grant program is part of the NSW government’s $38 million to implement the Pathways to Prevention primary prevention strategy, delivering prevention initiatives to address the drivers of domestic, family and sexual violence and drive long-term change.
Local Domestic and Family Violence Committees and Networks can apply for a 16 Days of Activism grant and are encouraged to partner with local councils, community groups, organisations and schools to deliver activities within their communities that encourage further safety and respect.
Applications for this year’s program are now open. The closing date is 31 August 2026. Visit this link for eligibility information and to apply.
Working together to change culture
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said, ‘We must work together as a community to change the prevailing culture that tolerates gender-based violence, if we are to stop domestic, family and sexual violence.
‘Local community-based organisations know what works in their communities, so these grants are our way of tapping into those insights, to deliver activities that will support change in the community.
‘I look forward to seeing the new and creative ideas organisations come up with to help eliminate gender-based violence before it begins, and build a safer New South Wales for everyone.’
NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner, Dr Hannah Tonkin said, ‘Community organisations play a crucial role in preventing domestic, family and sexual violence. They’re in a unique position to increase understanding and awareness at the local level, build trust with community members and drive lasting change.
‘This grants program will give grassroots organisations the opportunity to deliver their own initiatives to prevent gendered violence in their communities,’ she said.
‘By stepping up to challenge the drivers of gendered violence, they can help shift attitudes and behaviours and build a safer NSW for everyone.’
Support
If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.
For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, call the Sexual Violence Helpline on 1800 424 017 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For information on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
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