Ballina RSL has delivered a record $533,000 in community support this year, helping dozens of organisations across Ballina and the Northern Rivers.

The contribution includes $469,000 through ClubGRANTS and another $64,000 in sponsorships and donations, provided through a combination of cash and in-kind assistance.

Representatives from 43 organisations gathered at the RSL on Wednesday night for its annual ClubGRANTS Community Recognition Evening, celebrating the local groups putting the money to work.

Ballina RSL chief executive Guy Diven (pictured above) said supporting the community remained central to the purpose of the member-owned club.

“It’s a privilege to support the people and organisations whose care and commitment make such a difference in our community,” Mr Diven said.

“It represents meals on tables, safer homes, opportunities for young people, support for families, lifesaving services, stronger local organisations, and care for people at some of the hardest moments of their lives.”

Among those benefiting is the Fair Fight Foundation’s Supertee program, which provides superhero-inspired medical garments for children facing serious or long-term illness.

Ballina RSL’s involvement went beyond funding, with local volunteers joining Cherry Street Sports, Club Lennox and Supertee for a packing day in June.

Other recipients included Our Kids, which raises money for paediatric medical equipment, and Our House, which provides accommodation for patients and families travelling to Lismore for treatment.

Mary’s Place received support to provide breakfasts and other assistance to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, while funding for Foodbank NSW & ACT will help provide 230 school-holiday food hampers.

Domestic and family violence initiatives supported included StandbyU Foundation and DV Safe Phone.

The funding also reached veterans and their families, surf lifesaving, sporting clubs, wildlife care, community radio, inclusive arts and numerous other community organisations.

Mr Diven said strengthening the RSL also increased its ability to give back.

“A stronger Club gives us greater capacity to support the community around us, and to keep growing that support as local needs grow,” he said.

Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader and council general manager Paul Hickey joined more than 100 guests at the recognition evening.

Ballina RSL chair Darren Murnane said one of the benefits of bringing so many organisations together was seeing new community connections being made.

“To see the collaboration and networking after was fantastic,” he said.

Ballina RSL is now accepting Category 2 ClubGRANTS applications for eligible community, sporting and veteran initiatives, with the current cash funding round closing on January 31, 2027.