A week remains for regional and outer-metropolitan sports clubs to apply for drought-specific relief under a new funding stream launched by the South Australian Government. The Regional Drought Relief Round, offering grants of up to $5,000, is designed to support sport and active recreation clubs hit hard by dry conditions. It’s a lifeline meant to keep clubs running, matches on, and communities connected.
This new round of funding sits under the broader Active Club Program but is set apart by its purpose: to support clubs operating in areas affected by drought. With a $2 million pool on offer, it’s part of a larger $73 million package being rolled out by the Malinauskas Government to ease the strain of drought across South Australia.
Since the funding opportunity opened in mid-April, more than 220 clubs have put in applications, with strong interest from the Yorke and Mid North, Eyre and Western, and Limestone Coast regions. Over 70 clubs have already cleared the approval process and are lined up to receive funds, allowing them to quickly put the money to work in ways that matter.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to how these funds can be used. Grants may be directed toward drought-smart infrastructure, like rainwater tanks and irrigation upgrades, or towards basics like uniforms, equipment, and program delivery costs. Relief on utility bills and support for energy-saving projects are also on the table. In every case, the focus remains on helping clubs continue to serve their communities.
For many regional areas, sports clubs are more than just sporting venues. They function as essential meeting places and cornerstones of social life, particularly during difficult times. Drought doesn’t just dry paddocks—it can sap morale. By keeping clubs running, the grant program aims to protect more than grass and goalposts.
Assistant Minister for Regional Development Clare Scriven highlighted the social value of these clubs, pointing out their importance in creating a sense of belonging, especially when communities face hard times. “Sport and active recreational clubs play an integral role in providing a sense of connection and community in our regional areas,” she said. With so many people facing the daily pressures of drought, the opportunity to gather, stay active, and maintain familiar routines is no small thing.
That sentiment is echoed by Assistant Minister for Junior Sport Participation, Rhiannon Pearce. She notes that clubs are often a focal point in regional life. Whether it’s kids training on the weekend or adults gathering for a match, the role these clubs play in wellbeing—both physical and emotional—is significant. The grants, she says, are one way the government is helping to support resilience in regional areas during a particularly dry period.
The program doesn’t just assist club operations. There’s a wider ripple effect. Clubs are encouraged to spend the money locally, helping support small businesses that may have lost their own sponsorship capacity due to financial strain. This local focus amplifies the impact, ensuring that relief is felt beyond the club boundary lines.
For many clubs, sponsorship and volunteer contributions are the financial backbone. When regional economies tighten, both tend to suffer. The grant funds are a way of bridging that gap. Whether it’s paying off the last water bill, buying jerseys for junior players, or installing an irrigation system that keeps the pitch playable, the funding is intended to reduce barriers and ensure participation doesn’t drop off.
Emily Bourke, who has been involved in overseeing the program, urges eligible clubs not to delay. She sees these grants as a practical form of support that addresses real needs: “These grants can make a real difference, delivering the sort of relief which keeps the grass green, clubrooms running and players connected.”
The evidence of impact is already rolling in. With 70-plus clubs already approved, the money is starting to move quickly. Some have invested in smart irrigation to reduce long-term water use. Others have paid off overdue utility bills, easing the financial strain on volunteers and committee members who’ve kept the lights on through sheer determination.
While the official grant amounts are capped at $5,000 per club, the difference they make can be much greater when local commitment and ingenuity are factored in. Many clubs know how to stretch a dollar—installing second-hand systems, sharing equipment, or partnering with neighbouring clubs. In that context, a grant can go a long way.
There’s a sense of urgency now as the final application deadline looms. Wednesday 28 May is the cut-off date, and eligible clubs are being urged to get their applications in before time runs out. Given the relatively straightforward application process and fast turnaround, there’s still an opportunity to act.
Those unsure about their eligibility or how to apply can find details on the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing’s website. The government is keen to make sure no club that needs help misses out because of paperwork or lack of awareness.
There’s also a recognition that the benefits of sport extend far beyond game day. Keeping young people involved in local clubs helps them stay active, teaches responsibility, and provides an outlet when things at home or on the farm feel uncertain. For adults, clubs offer a place to recharge, share news, or simply feel part of something steady in a season where little else is.
While the broader drought response includes everything from farm relief to mental health support, programs like this grant round zero in on community glue—those smaller, sometimes overlooked spaces where people meet, talk, laugh, and keep each other going.
For South Australia’s sporting communities, this week’s deadline marks an important moment. It’s a chance to put forward a case for funding that could help keep things running smoothly, even in tough times. As the government encourages clubs to apply, the message is clear: staying active matters, staying connected matters—and there’s support available to help both.
Applications can be made at: orsr.sa.gov.au/grants/active-club-program.
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