Housing support, men’s mental health workshops and a deep dive into the history of the women’s baths in Coogee are among the projects and initiatives that Randwick City Council’s Community Investment Program is helping to fund.

Between October 2024 and July 2025, Council has distributed $493,300 in grant funding to 65 organisations through the Community Program’s three streams: Community Connect, Community Creative and Community Partnerships.

The Connect and Partnerships streams have supported culturally and linguistically diverse communities, men's mental health initiatives, mindfulness and body movement programs, community fetes, domestic violence programs, and youth programs. The Creative stream has supported creative programs for youth and facilitated independent artists in creating films, visual arts, plays, performances, murals and local history projects.

Applications are now open for funding through the Community Connect and Community Creative streams until 1 October 2025.

Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said the projects supported through the Community Investment Program were essential to creating a more connected, creative and compassionate community.

“We believe investing in impactful organisations, people and services is crucial to developing a more inclusive and supportive community,” Mayor Parker said.

“We are also committed to supporting our creatives to enhance arts and culture in our City. We want a city where everyone can safely express themselves and enjoy creativity throughout their life.”

The Irish Support Agency, a not-for-profit organisation and Community Connect grant recipient, supports Irish people living in Randwick City and across the state.

Project officer Una McCrossan says the funding will be used to run its ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ project, which focuses on mental health workshops for men. “There are so many individuals who come to Australia in search of better opportunities who are dealing with mental health issues because they are far away from their usual support network,” says Una.

“Participants will get information and resources from mental health experts and share their own experiences to engage in meaningful conversations that foster connection.”

The Junction Neighbourhood Centre will use their Community Partnerships grant for ‘The Randwick Housing Project’ to support locals facing housing insecurity and homelessness.

Chief Executive Officer, Janet Green, says women fleeing domestic violence, older people and people at risk of homelessness because of rent hikes are the most common groups coming to the centre in recent times.

“There are a lot of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness falling through the cracks in terms of eligibility for mainstream government services, and whom are unable to access specialised support,” Janet says. “We help them with lodging housing application forms and transfer forms, support and advocacy on maintenance and neighbourhood issues.

“We want to strengthen the relationships with Homes NSW, community housing providers and legal and tenancy services to create a sustainable and long-term support system that can better serve the needs of those who need it the most.

“It’s so important that Council gets involved because we can meet the specific needs of Randwick communities, covering a gap in the market that other state and federal programs can’t.”

Communities that thrive today also encourage creativity and self-expression, leaving a cultural legacy for future generations.

Under Community Connect, the Randwick and Coogee Ladies Swimming Association will research the 150 years of McIver’s Ladies Baths, also known as Coogee Women’s Baths.

The project explores the Baths’ pre-colonial Bidjigal use, its establishment in 1876 to its modern role in the community by creating a publication, a mural and hosting talks during history week honouring the Baths' unique place in Australian ocean pool culture.

For Committee President Alex Bowen, the project ‘A Place of Her Own: 150 Years of the Coogee Women’s Baths’ celebrates the women who have kept the baths open for so long. “It’s about ensuring that history is recorded for future generations of women and to understand how lucky they are to have this special place for women and children,” says Alex.

“Women from all walks of life use the facilities: women in their 70s and 80s swim every single day regardless of weather, and it’s a place for social inclusion – Muslim women visit from the western suburbs and women recovering from surgery who can be self-conscious have a place to feel comfortable.

“We want to employ women for this project too and it has been really important for Council to help us get it off the ground. What this support does is it encourages and empowers individuals and organisations to think outside the square and come up with interesting projects that can make a difference.”

Since 2020, Randwick Council’s Community Investment Program has helped local individuals, community groups and organisations to deliver services and initiatives that enhance the quality of life of residents, and promote diversity, inclusivity and creativity in the community.

Community Investment Program applications are now open

Round Three, 2025, is open to applications for the Connect and Creative streams until 1 October 2025.

Apply here: Community Connect or here: Community Creative.I

Information session

Register to attend an information session here: Friday, 19 September 2025 @9:30am