Wests Illawarra isn’t just a fab spot for a meal, a bevvie and some live entertainment; it’s a huge supporter in our Illawarra community!
With a heart for sport and a passion for giving back, they’re all about uplifting local talent and making a real difference in local lives.
Supporting Our Local Legends
Did you know about all the amazing partnerships Wests Illawarra has with local sporting clubs?!
They sponsor teams like Wests Cricket Club, Wests Devils Rugby League, Wests Netball, and Wests Hockey Club.
Through this incredible financial support, clubs have the resources they need, like training equipment, playing kits, and facilities.
And this ain’t no new initiative.
Wests Illawarra has been standing by local clubs for literal decades. They’ve worked with the Wests Cricket Club since 1950 and the Wests Netball Club for over 50 years.
Oh, and last financial year alone, Wests pitched in a whopping $250,387 to local sports and social groups across Illawarra.
Like, woah!
It’s great that they are keen to boost that Illawarra community spirit and give our young athletes the support they need to shine.
We’re pretty proud of our sporting superstars in the Illawarra, and we reckon Wests Illawarra has played more than a helping hand in getting some of them where they are today.
Charity Partners
And it’s not just in the sporting realm that Wests Illawarra is making a difference.
They also work closely with charities to make a real difference in the community.
Their partnership with Youth Off The Streets helps give young people opportunities they’ve never had, with camps and excursions funded by Wests’ support.
With The Disability Trust, Wests’ contributions provide mobility equipment, helping children and teens explore beyond their local areas.
They’re also big supporters of The Flagstaff Group, funding training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Through Vinnies Food Van, Wests provides both funds and volunteers, helping serve up to 70 meals each night to those in need.
Lifeline South Coast receives financial backing to offer free community crisis training.
Last financial year alone, Wests contributed a huge $141,860 [again, woah!], making a real impact across Illawarra and supporting the community one partnership at a time!
Community Partnerships
And then there’s Wests Illawarra’s partnership with Heart of the Nation.
The club funded five new AED stations across Illawarra, thanks to their ClubGRANTS program.
Now available 24/7, these life-saving devices are strategically placed in Farmborough Heights, Wongawilli, Warrawong, Fairy Meadow, and Mount Kembla to provide quick access during cardiac emergencies.
If you wanna know more about this important initiative [and that time we met the OG yellow Wiggle, Greg Paige, and the CEO of Heart of the Nation], check out our article here.
Another fantastic community event we got to experience firsthand was the recent Supertee Packing Party at the club’s Unanderra location.
The day was totally inspiring, with over 300 colourful medical garments, designed as fun costumes for kids facing tough health challenges, packed up with care.
Around 50 club volunteers, including staff and members pitched in, creating a vibe chock-a-block with community spirit.
Founded by Jason Sotiris in 2018, Supertee helps make hospital stays easier for kids by offering fun medical garments that allow parents and hospital staff quick, gentle access around medical lines.
How amazing is that?!
And as Chief Financial Officer at Wests Illawarra, Renata Garnero told us:
“These Supertees will help make the time children spend at Wollongong
Hospital for treatment a little less overwhelming, and hopefully the Marvel Edition and Space Commander designs will bring a smile to their faces, and that of their families and loved ones.”
Cue all the feels!
Next time you visit Wests Illawarra check out The Community Strong wall artwork.
The artwork shares all the wonderful ways the club supports and gives back to the community in such a fun and meaningful way.
We love the beehive design, and as Renata puts it:
“We chose this design because Wests Illawarra is a hive of activity in our Illawarra community.”
Buzz, buzz, baby!
We also love that they used local creatives to put together the artwork, just another way they are working with the Illawarra.
Oh, and the wall is also made from 100% recyclable materials, so it’s sustainability FTW!
From supporting local sports teams and charities to helping kids feel less anxious in the hospital and ensuring everyone’s safety, Wests Illawarra is doing it all with heart and a smile!
To learn more about how this local club is embedded in our community, head to their website or pop into the club to have a chat with the team and check out the artwork.
And whilst you’re there, why not stay for a yummy meal, a round of bevvies and even one of their fun events like live music, shows and activities.
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