Catalina Club has announced it has provided more than $65,000 to 13 not-for-profit community groups and organisations in 2024 through the ClubGRANTS Category 1 funding round.

On August 19, 2024, Catalina Club hosted representatives from 13 pioneering organisations to celebrate their commitment and selfless dedication to supporting vulnerable and marginalised people within our community.

ClubGRANTS is one of Australia’s largest grant programs and allows clubs to embolden their local communities through creative projects and initiatives. This year, the Eurobodalla LGA ClubGRANTS Committee, which includes representatives from registered clubs across the Eurobodalla, worked together to identify the most deserving organisations and progressive initiatives.

Catalina Club general manager Guy Chapman said the funding is vital to help volunteer-run and community-driven projects to embark on new and existing projects to strengthen our community.

“In the 2024 Category 1 round, $680,000 was requested by 51 local organisations looking to support the community, which is reflective of the pressure of increasing living costs in 2024,” Mr Chapman said.

Mr Chapman, alongside Catalina Club president Cathie Flynn, captain Michael Lowe, director Anthony Hall and assistant general manager Mitchel Judd officially presented funding to the 13 organisations, including Eurobodalla Can Assist, Southern Women’s Group and CareSouth on August 19.

Since 1984, Southern Women’s Group (SWG) has been empowering women to feel safe and respected. Catalina Club has proudly donated $10,000 to SWG’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service, which provides free, confidential support for women with ADVO matters.

The court service’s assistant manager Samantha Monck said they have received 2,247 referrals from women seeking support for domestic and family violence this year alone: “Violence has significant negative impacts on the health and wellbeing of women, children, and entire communities … we are working on creating a Eurobodalla community prevention and recovery strategy with the support of ClubGRANTS”.

“Together, we can make a positive impact and create a safer, more supportive community for everyone.”

Catalina Club has also financially supported CareSouth’s Aunties & Uncles program with a donation of $5,000, which aims to connect children, young people and families with volunteers who can provide quality guidance, mentoring and support.

“Aunties & Uncles allows young people to share new experiences, or just everyday things, that can help them navigate challenges, build resilience and develop important social and emotional skills,” said CareSouth Carer Engagement and Support Team Leader, Rebecca Henderson.

“We want to thank the Catalina Club for showing their support for CareSouth’s Aunties & Uncles program through a generous funding grant which will allow us to support more young people in the community.

“We are so grateful for the support we have received from Catalina Club and it was wonderful to join other deserving local community groups and organisations and hear about the amazing work they do at the grant funding presentation.”

Eurobodalla Can Assist was also supported within the Category 1 funding round and received $10,000 which will be made immediately available to people living within our local area who are undergoing invasive treatments for cancer. The organisation supports about 12 to 16 people and their families each month by providing funding to pay for myriad costs including groceries, utility bills, car registrations, accommodation and travel. Eurobodalla Can Assist channels approximately $5,000 each month to people living in the Eurobodalla undergoing treatment.

Client Assistance Officer at Eurobodalla Can Assist Nola Beatty volunteers her time and is the first point of contact to people seeking vital funding as they receive treatment.

“There are other organisations that help people with cancer, but we can help people today”, Nola said. “The most common cancer we get referrals for is breast cancer. These are typically young women who have mortgages and kids at school… their income is basically gone and their recovery can be long.

“Eurobodalla Can Assist is very grateful and thankful to ClubGRANTS and Catalina Club. The funding will go towards helping so many people. It’s amazing how many people live on their own around here [and are experiencing cancer], and this assistance helps to remove stress and financial worry.”

Batemans Bay Soldiers Club, Club Malua, Tomakin Sports and Social Club, Club Narooma, Moruya Golf Club and Narooma Golf Club also funded local organisations in the Category 1 funding round.

Catalina Club welcomes local charities and organisations who aim to make a difference to the community to apply for funding via the Category 2 funding round which is open now. Applications can be submitted at clubgrants.com.au.

The organisations supported by Catalina Club in the 2024 Category 1 funding round are:

• Eurobodalla Can Assist
• Southern Women’s Group
• CareSouth
• Batemans Bay Cricket Club and Talk2MeBro
• Epilepsy Action Australia
• Little Wings
• Roundsquared
• Batemans Bay Rural Fire Brigade
• Stewart House
• Sir David Martin Foundation
• Road Safety Education
• The Food Hub Batemans Bay
• EACH