Five opportunities you don’t want to miss

Image: The Dean Mercer Dash 2025, supported by Council's Sponsorship of Community Events program.

The clock is running out on five opportunities for residents to inspire, connect and celebrate our community.

Whether it’s nominating a favourite local hero for an award or boosting a project or event with financial support, we don’t want locals to miss their chance on doing something extraordinary for Wollongong.

Read on to find out more details about five different programs that are closing soon.

Local Government Regional NAIDOC Week Awards Nominations

Nominations are open until 5pm, Friday 20 March 2026

Do you know a person, organisation or business from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community making a difference? Their efforts deserve recognition!

You can nominate in the following categories:

• Elder of the Year (Aunty or Uncle)
  • NAIDOC Aunty of the Year
  • NAIDOC Uncle of the Year
• NAIDOC Community Member of the Year
• NAIDOC Young Achievers of the Year
• NAIDOC Caring for Country and Culture
• NAIDOC Aboriginal Community Volunteer of the Year
• NAIDOC Organisation of the Year (Not-for-Profit or Business)
• Outstanding Contribution to Reconciliation (Aboriginal or Non-Aboriginal)

You can download the Nominations booklet or complete the form online.

Wollongong Youth Week Awards Nominations

Nominations close Monday 30 March 2026

We need your help to unearth the amazing young people making Wollongong a better place – it’s time for them to shine! Nominations are now open for the Wollongong Youth Week Awards, a celebration of young people aged between 12 to 24 years across our city.

You can nominate your local young champion in one of the following seven award categories:

• Young Person – Volunteer
• Young Person – Community Ambassador
• Young Person – Artist
• Young Person – Performer
• Young Person – Sportsperson
• Young Person – Environmentalist
• Young Person – Small Business

To find out more details and make your nomination, visit the Wollongong Youth Week Awards page.

Annual community grant programs

Applications close midnight Tuesday 31 March 2026

If you’re looking for support to run an activity or bring a project to life within our community, check out our range of community grant programs.With five different programs available, they’re offering help to individuals or groups with financial or in-kind support.

• Sponsorship of Community Events – support for events like community celebrations, cultural gatherings and state or national sporting events.
• Bands and Choirs – support for not-for-profit community bands and choirs based in Wollongong.
• Small Arts and Culture Grants – support for activities that enliven our city and strengthen our creative industries.
• Small Grants NAIDOC Week Event – for not-for-profit groups holding community events during NAIDC Week.
• Heritage Grants (closes on 3 April 2026) – if you own a property that has local heritage listing, you can apply for support from the Wollongong Heritage Fund.

For more information and to apply visit our Grant Program page.

Local Government Regional NAIDOC Week Awards Sponsorships

Sponsorship applications close Friday 10 April 2026

This is a chance to help create a memorable evening that celebrates the rich culture and history of local Aboriginal communities and demonstrates an important step forward in our joint commitment to reconciliation.

Your sponsorship will contribute to supporting Elders to attend the event and securing high profile Aboriginal performers.

There are six levels of sponsorships available. You can download the Sponsorship package or complete the form online.

Explore the ClubGRANTS program

Applications close Saturday 31 May

ClubGRANTS is one of Australia’s largest grant programs, providing more than $100 million in cash each year to a variety of worthy causes across NSW.

In the Wollongong City Council area, ClubGRANTS are available to support a range of services and projects aimed at improving the living standards of low income and disadvantaged people.

Priorities for ClubGRANTS support in our area include:

• Aged, Disability or Youth Services
• Child Protection / Child Care
• Community Education Programs
• Community Enterprises
• Counselling Services
• Domestic Violence
• Drug and Alcohol / Palliative Care / Women’s Health / Aboriginal Health / Dental Services
• Early Childhood Health / Child and Family Services
• Family Support / Emergency or Low-Cost Accommodation
• Health Promotion Initiatives
• Home and Community Care and Disability Services
• Neighbourhood Centre / Youth Drop in Activities
• Veteran Welfare Services.

Though the program is not owned by Council, we’re committed to providing advice to organisations who may be interested in applying.

To learn more or apply, please visit the ClubGRANTS website.