Catalina in the Community
In the first half of 2025, Catalina Club has provided more than $70,000 to local community groups who are determined to make our local community more resilient and connected. Catalina Club is proud to have given back to the community through the ClubGRANTS Category 1 funding round to help improve the wellbeing and social fabric of our community.
DISCOVER THE ORGANISATIONS AND INITIATIVES THAT CATALINA CLUB HAS PROUDLY FUNDED THROUGH CATEGORY 1 CLUBGRANTS IN 2025
The Shepherd Centre
Listen & Learn: Life changing support for deaf children
$2,810
Hearing loss is the most common disability diagnosed at birth and 1 in 300 children have permanent hearing loss by 5 years old. Unfortunately, so many children are left behind when medical support is required, which is where The Shepherd Centre steps in. The not-for-profit organisation’s immersive Listen & Learn program combines specialist audiology, counselling, and speech therapy, all of which are individually tailored to each child’s unique needs. Funding provided by Catalina Club will directly allow young children living in the Eurobodalla to access the Listen & Learn program to give young deaf children the best possible start. Catalina Club is honoured to be able to support deaf children to connect, communicate and thrive alongside The Shepherd Centre.
Southern Women’s Group
Eurobodalla Action Plan to Prevent Domestic and Family Violence
$10,000
Through education, awareness and a community-led, Southern Women’s Group will continue to facilitate their vital Eurobodalla Action Plan in 2025 and 2026. Through Love Bites, an evidence-based program targeted at 1,000 Eurobodalla high school students, and Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered, a new nationally-acclaimed program that unites father figures and young daughters to boost wellbeing and strengthen bonds, Southern Women’s Group looks to shift community norms and prevent domestic violence across the Eurobodalla.
Roundsquared
International Day of People with Disability Community Event
$5,000
In it’s third consecutive year, roundsquared’s International Day of People with a Disability event at the Moruya RSL Hall will foster inclusion, help NDIS participants develop skills and showcase the skills and achievements of people with disabilities. In 2024, the celebration attracted more than 150 people, offering an alcohol-free, all-ages event with live music, calm sensory areas, photo booth, raffles and prizes. The not-for-profit organisation aims to break down barriers and reduce social isolation amongst people with disabilities, and looks to establish the celebration as a key event in our region’s calendar.
Epilepsy Action Australia
Eurobodalla Safe Schools: Seizure Awareness for Educators
$1,912.50
Epilepsy affects approximately 1% of Australians, with an estimated 275 people living with the condition in the Eurobodalla, 40 of which are children. The Eurobodalla SAFE Schools (Seizure Awareness For Educators) program hosted by Epilepsy Action Australia will directly support these children living with epilepsy by improving support in educational settings. The program will deliver epilepsy awareness resources to local primary schools and Early Learning Centres, and will give educators access to tailored guidance from volunteers with lived experience of epilepsy at priority schools. This initiative creates safer, more inclusive learning environments for students with epilepsy.
Road Safety Education
Enabling Access to the Ryda Road Safety Program
$2,060
In the last five years, there were 548 road casualties or deaths in the Eurobodalla region. Sadly, 17% of these involved young people aged 16 to 25 years old. Road trauma can leave significant and negative impacts on not just individuals, but families and entire communities. Since 2004, Road Safety Education has provided an innovative program for 16-18 year olds to increase their understanding of road safety awareness and road risk factors. The program has resulted in powerful feedback from students who have attended a full-day workshop in the local region. Catalina Club’s financial support of RYDA allows students to access the program with subsidised cost.
Katungul Aboriginal Corporation
Bringing Aboriginal Health Training on Country
$13,000
In the Eurobodalla, there is a distinct shortage of Aboriginal Health Workers, who are vital in delivering culturally safe care that bridges Indigenous and Western health practices. Their presence and support of Indigenous people in our region enhances trust, engagement and access in order to create a stronger and healthier community. Katungul, in partnership with the University of Wollongong (UOW), will utilise Catalina Club’s funding to establish delivery of Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice in the local region, meaning new health workers will no longer need to travel to complete their education and support their local community.
St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn
Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma Family Support
$4,000
In 2025, St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn look to host a Community Collaborative Event for Women and Children experiencing disadvantage to access information about support services, provide a safe and confidential space for women to meet with local service providers and host a playgroup for children. Catalina Club’s funding will enable women to access these vital services, and will also go towards providing gifts for children and Christmas food hampers for families and individuals experiencing disadvantage. In 2024, St Vincent de Paul received over 100 applications for Christmas gifts and hampers, and delivered $85,400 of in-kind assistance to those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged.
Batemans Bay Youth Foundation
Supporting graduating students to access tertiary education
$10,000
Since the Batemans Bay Youth Foundation was established in 1994, it has successfully encouraged and engaged 272 students living in the Eurobodalla to travel away from home to access and complete tertiary education. In 2024, with support from Catalina Club, the Foundation provided 14 students with $3,500 each to kickstart their tertiary journeys. In 2025, Catalina Club’s funding will support three young people currently living between North Durras to Moruya River to continue their education in Sydney, Wollongong, Canberra, Melbourne, Tasmania, and beyond.
The Local Gatho
Kickstarting a free social gathering for local young people
$3,000
A new initiative in the Eurobodalla, The Local Gatho is a community-led project aiming to address social isolation and loneliness while promoting inclusivity and opportunities for young people living in the region. The free monthly social gathering aims to unite individuals aged between 15 and 25 years old to enjoy a meal, participate in activities, engage in open discussions and build relationships. In collaboration with other local initiatives including PCYC Batemans Bay, Breathe with Jay and Headspace Batemans Bay, The Local Gatho has a vision to build a lasting, vital social service for young people in the Eurobodalla.
Australian Breastfeeding Association
Music & Connection Time for Babies and Toddlers
$1,880
Following on from their successful delivery of their study into babies and young children in the Black Summer bushfires and a string of successful Playdates with an Emergency Service, the Eurobodalla branch of the Australian Breastfeeding Association will look to deliver an 8-week music program for infants and toddlers. The evidence-based program will unite young parents and children, and will use music to strengthen parent-child bonds, support early development and reduce parental stress. Each session will include interactive musical activities for young children from 0 to 4 years of age to reach families who might otherwise fall through the cracks of early childhood support.
Little Wings
Children’s Hospital Flight Program
$3,712
After receiving a funding grant in 2024 from Catalina Club and neighbouring clubs, Little Wings were able to transport at least five children living in the Eurobodalla to receive vital medical support in metropolitan areas. Little Wings provides a truly unique service, allowing families to travel safely, comfortably and free of charge to specialist medical services at the Children’s Hospitals in Sydney and Newcastle. Families are often split apart whilst one parent stays by their child’s side in hospital, leaving the rest of the family to continue with everyday life. Little Wings is the vital service that allows families to stay together, and return home as soon as possible.
Life Education NSW
Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds, Strong Futures
$5,000
Life Education NSW reaches more than 4,000 children in Eurobodalla schools each year to empower vulnerable children to make informed decisions, resulting in safer, happier and healthier lives. Life Education delivers dynamic, fun and engaging on-site educational sessions on nutrition, physical activity, respectful relationships and online safety and much more. At the heart of Life Education is Healthy Harold, a much-loved giraffe who has captured children’s imaginations to make learning joyful, rewarding and most importantly, memorable. Life Education’s ongoing program of delivery hopes to reach the most vulnerable in our community by addressing key wellbeing challenges to shape positive health attitudes across our coastal community.
Sir David Martin Foundation
Aftercare Program – Triple Care Farm, Walawaani
$4,000
In 2024, funding provided to the Sir David Martin Foundation by Catalina Club and neighbouring clubs enabled the organisation to fund one full-time Youth Aftercare worker to support vulnerable young people at the Triple Care Farm on the South Coast near Batemans Bay. Delivered at Triple Care Farm, Walawaani, the Aftercare Program provides a safe place for young people to get well, prepare for new opportunities and create a lasting change in their lives following drug and alcohol addiction. Young people aged between 16 and 24 are given the opportunity to receive continued care for up to six months at Triple Care Farm, before transitioning safely back into the community with the vital support of a Youth Aftercare worker.
Freedom Solutions
Freedom Wheels in the Eurobodalla
$2,140
Freedom Wheels brings the joy of cycling to children and adults with disability through access to custom-built bikes tailored by therapists to meet each person’s unique physical and cognitive needs. Today, over 3,000 people living in the Eurobodalla area require daily support due to disability, and many miss out on physical activity such as cycling due to mobility challenges, lack of support and limited finances. The Freedom Wheels project will foster physical activity and social skills through fun ‘exercise therapy’, which can lead to joy, newfound confidence, improved self esteem, health and strength.
Batemans Bay Community Picnic
Monthly Community Connection in Batemans Bay
$1,042
Batemans Bay Community Picnic is a volunteer-run group committed to providing free home-cooked lunch every last Sunday of each month. Their mission is to provide a safe space where everyone can connect over a meal and experience a sense of community and companionship. The initiative works towards strengthening the community’s resilience by breaking down the barriers of social isolation and improving the health of the community. Since launching in early 2023, the Picnic attracts up to 100 attendees each month, including veterans, refugees, elderly people and those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
In the 2024/25 financial year, Catalina Club provided further funds to organisations and community groups through ClubGRANTS Category 2. These organisations have consistently committed themselves to the South Coast community by providing social connection, education and unique opportunities to community members.
DISCOVER THE ORGANISATIONS THAT CATALINA CLUB HAS PROUDLY FUNDED THROUGH CATEGORY 2 CLUBGRANTS IN 2024 AND 2025.
Eurobodalla Canine Club
$500
In October 2024, the Eurobodalla Canine Club hosted their first double trick dog trial event, which attracted more than 140 people and talented canines from across the South Coast region to visit and compete at the Moruya Showground. Catalina Club’s support of the Canine Club allowed them to provide prizes and cover required transport costs.
Tollgates Combined Probus Club Inc
$330
Since 1977, the Tollgates Combined Probus Club Inc has endeavoured to provide fellowship and friendship to its senior members. As part of its ongoing mission, the Probus Club hosted a Christmas Lunch at Catalina Club in December 2024. Catalina Club’s support of the Probus Club allowed its members to access a private space to host the enjoyable lunch and continue to develop lifelong friendships.
Koori Kids
$500
Following on from a positive outcome in 2023, Catalina Club has once again supported Koori Kids in 2024 to assist their ongoing ANZAC School Initiative Competition. This organisation engages young people in a range of initiatives and promotes education and awareness of the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander culture, ANZAC Day and sports development.
Creative Arts Batemans Bay Inc.
$1000
Creative Arts Batemans Bay Inc. (CABBI) has showcased the art and craft of its members for 40 years on the South Coast. In 2025, CABBI hosted its 40th Annual Art Exhibition, encouraging even more budding local artists to promote and share their compelling works. The annual exhibition also allowed the community to view and enjoy hundreds of artworks for free and make purchases, supporting local artists and promoting our unique culture.
Lions Club Batemans Bay
$2,640
For over 75 years, Lions Clubs across the country have been devoting themselves to their local communities with kindness and pride. By connecting with local charities, groups and clubs, the Lions Club of Batemans Bay has helped raise thousands of dollars to help individuals and families in our local community. Catalina Club has committed to supporting the Lions Club for at least 12 months to allow them to host their monthly planning meetings for free.
Batemans Bay Employers of Christian Education Teachers
$300
The Batemans Bay Employers of Christian Education Teachers (BBECET) is a non-profit group that has provided religious education to at least four schools in the Eurobodalla in the past 20 years. With financial support, the BBECET can pay two teachers, assist multiple volunteers and provide books and online materials to reach more than 250 young children in the Eurobodalla.
HOW TO APPLY FOR CLUBGRANTS
Click below to visit the ClubGRANTS website. Here, you can create a free account and use the ‘Find Your Local Grant Round’ function to search for ‘Catalina’.
The Category 1 funding round is only open from February 1 to May 31 each year, while our Category 2 and Sponsorships rounds are always open to new applications.
Catalina Club reviews all new applications monthly.
