Award Categories & Past Stories

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To reflect the challenges that the industry has faced, the Clubs & Community categories are reviewed annually. Clubs of all sizes and their own community partners are invited to submit stories within these core community value categories.

You are now able to view summaries of all the current stories by clicking on the category name.


Vibrancy and Culture
Celebrating clubs that energise our community by cultivating a vibrant cultural landscape. This category recognises those who champion arts, culture and entertainment — supporting local musicians, artists and performers, celebrating Indigenous culture, and activating spaces through dynamic festivals and other events.

Education
Recognising support for learning, education and vocational training across all age groups that enhances the lives of those living in the community. This includes funding early learning and school programs, providing education and training pathways, and supporting employee learning and development.

Emergency Response
Recognising the generosity, resourcefulness and innovative strategies of clubs that provide assistance, care, compassion and/or leadership to their communities during natural disasters — including bushfires, droughts or floods — or through supporting emergency and rescue services.

Fostering Grassroots Sport
Recognising clubs that make a positive impact in their community by enabling and enhancing participation in and enjoyment of junior or senior sport through the provision of facilities, training programs, financial support and/or the contribution of club staff in assisting sporting groups.

Health Care
Recognising contributions to supporting and improving the physical health of the community, including increasing health care accessibility and affordability, providing new health services, improving quality of life, and/or funding health services and initiatives.

Heart of the Community
Recognising the outstanding efforts of clubs and individuals that have had a significant positive impact on their community by contributing to and/or improving the social, cultural or financial wellbeing of the community.

Mental Wellbeing
Recognising innovative club approaches and programs that support and improve the mental wellbeing of members, patrons and the wider community.

Social Inclusion
Recognising club programs that are dedicated to fostering unity and acceptance by addressing the needs of a diverse community. This includes, but is not limited to, clubs providing support for veterans and victims of domestic violence, Indigenous programs, celebrations of diversity, responsible gambling initiatives, and supporting those with special needs or disabilities.

Small Club, Big Heart
This category honours small clubs making a big impact. Open to clubs that have not been eligible for ClubGRANTS at some stage in the past two years, it recognises those who go above and beyond to support their communities — whether through grassroots initiatives, local partnerships, or simply showing up when it matters most.

Sustainable Future
This category recognises clubs that are actively investing in long-term sustainability and resilience across multiple pillars — environmental, social, economic and infrastructural. Whether through innovative environmental initiatives, affordable housing, or forward-thinking development projects, these clubs are laying the groundwork for vibrant, adaptable communities that can thrive well into the future.