Eastern Suburbs Sporting Groups Score Funding Boost
Published 24 April 2026
Community sport in Sydney’s east is set for a lift after the Member for Vaucluse and NSW Opposition Leader, Kellie Sloane, announced funding for four local sporting organisations.
Easts Junior Beasties RUFC received support for its initiative to help drive female participation in the sport. Shark Island Paddlers will expand opportunities for women and emerging paddlers, and Sydney Convicts Rugby Club will boost engagement through its community outreach and international Bingham Cup involvement.
The program Ocean Heroes also received funding. The organisation delivers free surfing experiences for people on the autism spectrum, creating a safe, supportive and empowering environment at local beaches. The funding will enable Ocean Heroes to purchase essential equipment, ensuring more participants can access these events. Programs like Ocean Heroes break down barriers to participation and foster a sense of belonging, reminding us that sport is not just about competition, but also about inclusion and wellbeing.
Local Member for Vaucluse Kellie Sloane said she was pleased to help secure funding for these local organisations.
“Sport brings our local community together and we have some of the best grassroots sporting organisations in the state.
“This funding will support more people to stay active in our community, whether it is someone putting on a rugby jersey for the first time, a child learning to surf at North Bondi, or more people getting out on our beautiful harbour,” Ms Sloane said.
General Manager of Ocean Heroes, Lachlan McArthur, said the purchase of new equipment would support the organisation to continue providing life-changing opportunities.
“We empower autistic people to realise they can achieve anything. Through surfing and the ocean, we deliver these experiences in a way that is both fun and safe. The purchase of new equipment strengthens our ability to continue providing these unique and life-changing opportunities for the autistic community,” Mr McArthur said.
Background:
The funding was delivered under the Local Sport Grant Program, which was created by the former Liberal and Nationals Government in 2015 to support grassroots sporting organisations across NSW.
A total of $4.49 million was awarded in the latest round, with $50,000 available in each NSW electorate for local sporting organisations.
Successful Vaucluse organisations:
- Ocean Heroes: $9,892 for equipment to support free surfing events for the autism community
- Sydney Convicts Rugby Club: $15,000 to support engagement and preparations for the Bingham Cup
- Easts Junior Beasties RUFC: $10,108 for their Rebuilding Girls Rugby in the Eastern Suburbs program
- Shark Island Paddlers: $15,000 to support their Next Wave program, expanding access and participation
