Cessnock Pony Club will be able to complete an upgrade to its grounds, thanks to a grant from Cessnock Leagues Club.

The pony club received $2000 from Cessnock Leagues Club’s 2024/25 Sports & Community Groups Fund, which will be used to purchase new fencing rails and bolts to renew the boundary arena fencing at its grounds in Neath, after the old rails were damaged from sun wear and tear and bush fire.

Cessnock Pony Club treasurer Laura Hosemans said the small club relies on donations, fundraisers and grants to its upgrade facilities and equipment.

“Maintaining pony club grounds is essential for creating a safe, functional, and appealing environment for riders and their ponies. These improvements will directly support our members, the broader community, and future generations of equestrians,” she said.

The pony club was also fortunate enough to have a portion of the railings and logs donated by the provider, so it has put some of the grant towards marquees and a photo backdrop for the annual zone presentation.

Cessnock Hospitality Group community engagement manager Krystal Sellars said the pony club was a great example of the wide range of organisations Cessnock Leagues Club assists through its Community Support programs.

“Sporting clubs, performing arts, history and cultural organisations are among the groups that we supported in the last funding year, along with several local schools and Rural Fire Service brigades,” Ms Sellars said.

The Sports & Community Groups Fund has been rebranded as the Community & Culture Fund for the 2025/26 funding year, to better reflect Cessnock Leagues Club’s broader commitment to supporting diverse community initiatives. Ms Sellars said the sporting clubs are still welcome to apply for the fund, along with cultural organisations, service clubs and all other not-for-profit community groups within the Cessnock LGA.

A ClubGRANTS Category 2 Fund, the Community & Culture Fund offers grants of up to $2,000 per organisation*, per funding year (September-August) for specific projects, essential equipment, and ongoing activities.

Applications are open from year-round (excluding August), with grants allocated monthly.

Other funds open year-round include the Cessnock Rural Fire Service Fund ($2000 per brigade) and the Cessnock Schools Education Fund ($500 per primary school and $1000 per high school).

Meanwhile, the ClubGRANTS Category 1 Fund – which provides grants for projects such as community welfare and social services, community development, community health services and employment assistance activities – will open on February 1, 2026.

For more information on these funds, visit cessnockleagues.com.au/the-club/community-support.

*Individual sportspeople and fundraising campaigns are not eligible for these grants.