Since 1959, Engadine Bowling Club has been more than just a place to enjoy a game of bowls or a meal with family and friends. We’ve been proud members of the local community, and through the ClubGRANTS program, we’re able to give back to the organisations and groups that make our area such a special place to live.
Over the past twelve months, we’ve supported some truly remarkable local organisations. From youth sports to the arts, mental health initiatives to community celebrations, these groups are making a real difference in the lives of people across Engadine, Heathcote, Woronora Heights, Yarrawarrah and beyond.
Here are some of the ways that we help to support our local community:
- Youth Sports and Recreation
St John Bosco Youth Centre received support for their Bosco FC Female Sports Facilities Upgrade project, helping to create better opportunities for young women in sport. This upgrade represents a significant investment in female participation in football, ensuring girls and women have access to quality facilities.
Meanwhile, Yarrawarrah Tigers JRLFC tackled an important safety initiative with their Rugby League Tackle Mat Upgrade project. The club’s current equipment had become outdated and worn from extensive use, making this new equipment crucial for both the effectiveness and safety of tackle training sessions for their young players.
Our local Acrogym club is a true community success story, with over 600 local kids registered since starting operations in Engadine and Menai in 2010. Their International Acrobatics Team project supports 16 elite athletes who represented Australia at international competitions in Germany from 16-21st June and in Poland from 27-29th June 2025. These representative competitions involve high costs that are self-funded by local families, making community support invaluable.
The Bosco Netball Club used their sponsorship funds strategically at the beginning of the season to purchase new uniforms, allowing them to offer free uniforms to new junior players joining the club. They also invested in practical courses and mentoring for their new and junior umpires, building the next generation of officials to support the sport’s growth.
Similarly, the Engadine Dragons Cricket Club addressed essential needs through their cricket equipment and uniforms project. They’re using funds to purchase new equipment to replace aging gear, buy uniforms for new players, and, importantly, provide uniforms and equipment for club members experiencing financial hardship – ensuring that everyone can participate regardless of their financial circumstances.
- Local Sutherland Shire Arts and Culture
The arts scene in the Sutherland Shire is thriving, and we’re proud to support innovative programs like the Shire Theatre Competition. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram .
Launched in 2024, this is the only theatre competition of its kind in our community. While surrounding locales, including the Illawarra, Parramatta and Sydney, all benefit from similar events, our community had no equal opportunities until now. The competition offers theatre performers ranging from primary to open age categories including solo improvisation, solo prepared performance, group improvisation and group prepared performance. All Shire-based schools and drama schools are personally invited to participate, making it a true community celebration of local talent.
- Community Events and Celebrations
Some of our most beloved community traditions received crucial support. Connect Church organised the Engadine Christmas Carols 2024, an extraordinary community event that’s been running for 40 years and attracts 2,000-3,000 people annually. Around 10 local singing and dancing groups perform throughout the evening, with music provided by bands from local schools, creating a truly collaborative community celebration for children and residents of Engadine, Heathcote and Yarrawarrah.
- Supporting Those in Need
We’re particularly proud to support organisations that help vulnerable members of our community. The Shepherd Centre – For Deaf Children received funding for educational toys and resources to support therapy for children with hearing loss in the Sutherland Shire. Their vital work develops listening, speaking, and social skills in children with hearing loss, improving their emotional wellbeing and self-expression through group programs featuring fun, creative activities in a supportive community environment. Each play-based activity is specifically designed to support the development of life-changing skills, with resources including educational toys, books, craft and safety equipment.
Dunlea Centre implemented an innovative Youth Mental Health Therapy project, specifically using animal therapy programs for students at their special school. This therapeutic approach helps improve mood and general well-being, encouraging school attendance for education. Animal therapy can reduce boredom within educational settings, increase physical movement and activity through walks and play, provide companionship, decrease loneliness and develop crucial social skills.
- Closer to Home
Even the Engadine Dawnbreakers Social Golf Club received support for their community-focused initiatives. Their project aims to reduce costs for elder members by keeping green fees affordable, helping encourage new members to join. The funding also supplies new golf balls for prizes at monthly golf game winners in both A and B grade categories and contributes to the general expenses of their annual presentation day.
- A Continued Commitment to Supporting Local Engadine Projects
These organisations represent the heart of what makes our local area special. They bring people together, provide opportunities for growth and achievement, support those in need, and create the events and activities that build community connections.
Many of these groups also choose to host their presentation days, fundraising events and social gatherings right here at the club, creating a wonderful cycle of community support that strengthens the bonds between organisations and helps amplify their impact.
Through the ClubGRANTS program, we’re able to continue this proud tradition of giving back to our community. It’s one of the ways we honour our 66-year history as part of the local fabric, and we look forward to supporting even more worthy causes in the years ahead.
To learn more about any of these fantastic organisations, visit their websites or get involved locally. Community spirit thrives when we all play our part.
