Media releases
Westpac launches $100,000 Footy Grants program in Queensland
19 May 2022
Footy clubs in Queensland will be handed a $100,000 boost with the launch of the inaugural Westpac Footy Grants in the Sunshine State. The Westpac Footy Grants program provides a total pool of $100,000 in funding and builds on the relationship between Westpac and the Queensland Rugby Union. In its inaugural year, the Westpac Footy Grants will provide much-needed financial support to grassroots clubs that are the lifeblood of so many communities.
Westpac Group Chief Customer Engagement Officer, Ross Miller, said: “We know grassroots sports clubs have been through the ringer in the past two years. In 2022, while there will be challenges, we want to help community sports clubs in NSW & the ACT flourish. We’ll once again encourage applications from clubs that share our values of inclusion, diversity and equality in sport which is so important to all of us at the Westpac Group.”
Tim Horan AM, Westpac Footy Grants Ambassador said: “Queenslanders love their sport, and these grants will be a huge help to community clubs right across the state as they rebuild, reinvest and get back to winning ways after a tough couple of years.”
In 2021, the Murrumbateman Eagles AFL Club in the ACT were awarded a Footy Grant to help fix their pitch and enable them to play more games in their local area.
Mitchell Lamb is a player and List Manager at the Murrumbateman Eagles and said: “Our club gives meaning, joy and a sense of belonging in a close-knit local community. The Footy Grant we received in 2021 means we can continue to play safe footy in the local area which helps attract locals to play and support the Eagles. It’s been a huge help for our club!”
Westpac Group has a strong history of supporting sport in Queensland and announced a milestone partnership with Queensland Rugby Union that sees it as front of jersey sponsor for the Queensland Reds Super Rugby and Pacific Super W teams. Through St.George, the bank is a naming rights partner of LGBT+ rugby union club the Brisbane Hustlers, a major partner to the Brisbane Football Club and GingerCloud Foundation’s Modified Rugby Program in Queensland, NSW and the ACT.
Applications are openfrom 9.00am (AEST) Thursday 19 May until 5.00pm (AEST) Friday 1 July 2022 to Queensland residents over the age of 13 years old who want to put forward a nomination for a Westpac Footy Grant. Individuals and clubs are also welcomed to self-nominate.
To nominate, apply or find out more information visit: http://www.westpac.com.au/footygrants
About the Westpac Footy Grants Program
Applications and nominations are open from 9.00am Thursday 19 May until 5.00pm Friday 1 July 2022 (AEST) and should outline how the grant funds would be of assistance. There is $100,000 available that will be allocated to the four footy codes around the country.
Examples of the assistance that Westpac Footy Grants can support local teams, include:
- Registration fee support for those clubs who have families getting back on their feet due to challenges of recent years
- New training equipment e.g., balls, tackle bags, medical supplies for training purposes
- Group or one-on-one online coaching for individuals and teams
- Providing upgrades (small to large field or club house changes)
- Financial assistance for clubs who need part-time trainers, coaches or administrative support.
The Footy Grants program in New South Wales and the ACT will continue under the banner of St.George Footy Grants, with a total pool of $150,000 in grant funds available there. Read more about St.George Footy Grants.