A record-setting eight Golf NSW affiliated clubs have been recognised as finalists in the prestigious 2025 ClubsNSW Clubs & Community Awards, representing the outstanding community contribution made by clubs across New South Wales.
ClubsNSW has announced a record 142 finalists in tonights awards, up from 139 in 2024, with Golf NSW clubs nominated across seven different categories in a testament to the many ways our clubs serve their communities.
Community Champions
Leading the charge is Murray Downs Golf & Country Club, which has been nominated as a finalist in two separate categories.
The club’s hosting of the 2024 Ford NSW Open, an event that showcased professional golf at its finest when Ripper GC’s Lucas Herbert claimed victory in spectacular fashion, earned a well-deserved nomination in the Fostering Grass Roots Sport Category.
The club’s second nomination, “Keeping Victims Safe in the Murray” initiative, also saw them recognised in the Heart of the Community Category.
Club Taree has also earned honours as a finalist in the Heart of the Community Category for “Celebrating Our Community” – a significant recognition given the club’s heroic response during recent devastating floods on the NSW Mid North Coast.
When natural disaster struck, Club Taree stepped up as the principal evacuation centre for flood victims, with their dedicated staff working tirelessly in the face of adversity to provide shelter, comfort, and support to those who had lost everything.
Diverse Community Impact
Other Golf NSW member clubs honoured as finalists for their community contributions include Stroud & District Country Club in the Arts, Culture, and Entertainment category for their Locals Live – Open Mic Night” – a platform for local artistic talent to flourish.
Education: Tura Beach Country Club’s “Growing Futures – Nurturing Apprentices in Turf Management” an initiative investing in the next generation of turf management professionals, supporting career development in our industry.
Fostering Grass Roots Sport: Nelson Bay Golf Club’s “Bay Buddies – Golf, Friends & Community!” initiative perfectly captures how golf clubs build lasting friendships and community connections through sport.
Health Care: Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club by raising funds for the Children’s Cancer Institute, demonstrating how golf clubs can support vital medical research and care.
Heart of the Community: Cumberland Golf Club’s “Play Golf & Help Someone in Need” program shows how the game of golf can be a vehicle for supporting those less fortunate.
Mental Wellbeing: Sharks at Kareela’s “Mental Fitness Round” addresses the crucial issue of mental health support within our communities.
Social Inclusion: With a second nomination, Sharks at Kareela’s “Sharks Add Bite to Deadly Choices” program promotes positive decision-making and social inclusion.
Billion-Dollar Community Impact
Golf NSW CEO Stuart Fraser lauded the finalists’ achievements and wished them the best for tonight’s awards.
“These nominations reflect the true spirit of our great game across NSW – our clubs are much more than sporting venues, but genuine community hubs that enrich the lives of countless individuals and families throughout our state.
“Seeing so many of our member clubs recognised for their commitment to community service is delightful. I wish all the finalists the best of luck at the awards ceremony.”
ClubsNSW CEO Rebecca Riant highlighted clubs’ enormous contribution to NSW communities, with their collective social and economic impact worth $9 billion annually to the state.
“I’m enormously proud of the social impact that NSW clubs have and the causes they champion, which collectively help to make our state a better place to live,” she said.
Celebrating community Excellence
The winners will be announced at the Clubs & Community Awards Night at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney tonight.
Golf NSW congratulates all eight nominated clubs and acknowledges all our affiliated clubs’ incredible work in strengthening their local communities.
