4May

AROUND THE GROUNDS

4 May 2026 |

AROUND THE GROUNDS:
A BANKSTOWN SPORTING CLUBS NEWSLETTER
July 2026 Edition

WELCOME

Welcome to the inaugural edition of Around the Grounds, a monthly newsletter dedicated to supporting and enhancing the sporting clubs across the Bankstown community. This publication aims to facilitate the sharing of information, ideas, and best practices, enabling clubs to learn from one another, celebrate achievements, and foster continuous improvement.

As this initiative evolves, we welcome and encourage your feedback on the topics and content you would like to see featured. Your input will play an important role in shaping the direction and value of this newsletter.

We invite you to explore the articles highlighted below, many of which are discussed in greater detail on our website’s Blog Community.

Upcoming Grant Opportunities

First Opportunity

Game On - Teaming Up for Climate Action:

The Game on: Teaming up for climate action – Round 1 grant is an Australian Government program providing funding (typically $25,000 to $100,000) to community sports clubs to upgrade facilities with energy efficient and climate resilient solutions, helping reduce emissions, lower energy costs and improve sustainability.

To apply, eligible organisations (e.g. incorporated community sports clubs or consortium leads with an ABN) must submit an online application via GrantConnect, addressing the eligibility and assessment criteria, attaching required evidence (e.g. quotes and affiliations), and lodging it before the closing date (8 July 2026).

Second Opportunity

Canterbury - Bankstown Council Community Grants Program:

The Community Grants Program provides financial support to assist local community-based organisations to develop and implement initiatives that enhance individual and/or community wellbeing in the Canterbury Bankstown Local Government Area.

Grants are issued under five categories: Community, Youth, Arts/Cultural, Sport and Recreation and Events.

Applications are now open, and close Tuesday, June 30th at 11:59pm AEST.

Third Opportunity

Cumberland City Council Funding Database:

Source new and existing funding opportunities by looking through the Cumberland City Council Funding Centre

Funding Centre - Grants Database | Cumberland City Council

Fourth Opportunity

Hills Shire Council Grants Page:

Find existing grants and sign up for the Hills Shire Councils Grant Guru Page to find available grants.

Apply for a Grant | The Hills Shire Council

BS Strikers/BSJRL Gala Days

Community spirit across grassroots sport was firmly on display during May, with successful Rugby League and Football Gala Days bringing together players, families and the wider community.

Bankstown Sports Junior Rugby League Club hosted its annual Gala Day at Steve Folkes Reserve on Saturday, 9 May 2026, while Bankstown Sports Strikers FC followed with their event at Crest Sporting Complex on Sunday, 24 May for BDAFA Under 8’s teams. Both events highlighted the strength of grassroots sport, providing young players with inclusive, well-organised opportunities to participate and develop their skills.

Each Gala Day created a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere, featuring a range of entertainment including rides, games, food options and activities such as a jumping castle. Strong attendance across both events reinforced the important role local clubs play in fostering community connection and promoting active lifestyles.

Congratulations to both Bankstown Sports Junior Rugby League Club and Bankstown Sports Strikers FC, whose committees and volunteers delivered two outstanding events. Their ongoing commitment continues to create meaningful opportunities for junior participation and development within the local community.

Volunteer Spotlight - The Gables Volunteers

In March 2025, The Gables Hockey Complex opened in Northwest Sydney (Box Hill), becoming the home of Norwest Strikers Hockey Club and Hills Hockey. Prior to the opening of The Gables, both clubs were based at Pennant Hills Park, where they rented space and had no permanent home. This meant they were often subject to limited and inconsistent access to training times and facilities, with little certainty around whether they could run junior development clinics.

Randolf “Jacko” Jackinowicz

Jacko is at the facility most days, ensuring that both pitches are set up for training and games. He maintains the storeroom (and expects it to stay tidy! and takes pride in keeping the entire 115-metre facility clean and presentable. This includes four large change rooms, two umpires’ rooms, a medical room, meeting room, two storage areas, and the canteen.

Whether it’s turning the lights on or off, watering the playing surface, setting up the BBQ, or dealing with any issues that arise in the canteen - if something needs to be done, Jacko is the person to call.

Karena Walsh

Remarkably, Karena spends even more time at the facility than Jacko. As Junior Development Officer for Hills Hockey, she plays a key role in nurturing the next generation of players. She is also involved with the Western Sydney Academy of Sport hockey program (established in 2025 by NWS–HH), contributes to local academy programs, and coordinates junior teams each week throughout the season to ensure everything runs smoothly.

In her spare time (when she has any), Karena can often be found in the canteen or around the facility capturing photos for social media, helping to promote the club and its community.

Together, Jacko and Karena exemplify the dedication and spirit of the volunteer group that makes The Gables Hockey Facility such a success.

Below is an example of a quality small organisation committee structure:

Monthly Tip – Committee Structure

The right committee or board structure is the foundation of a successful community organisation. Until you get your structure right, everything else is hard. The structure is the blueprint that guides how an organisation operates. It’s not just names and roles; it’s a smart, functional structure that helps the entire organisation run smoothly and efficiently.

The number one benefit of the right structure is that responsibilities are allocated, so roles are clearly defined. Clearly defining the roles within your structure shows potential volunteers what they are getting into and avoids scaring them off.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

4 May 2026 |