Illawarra-based organisations committed to reducing the impact of suicide in the region are encouraged to apply for funding to support their work.
The inaugural Race Against Suicide Raceday held at Kembla Grange Racecourse in June raised $38,000 which will now be shared among local service providers, community groups, support organisations, and charities.
Eligible applicants have until 5pm on Tuesday, 16th September 2025 to lodge their Expression of Interest and from that a shortlist will be invited to submit a full proposal. The tender application process can be viewed here.
“The shortlist will be assessed by an independent panel comprising of mental health professionals, community representatives, and stakeholders from the Race Against Suicide Raceday Committee,” The Illawarra Turf Club Operations Manager Chloe Hackett said. “Relevance and impact, feasibility, community involvement, and value for money are the main considerations.”
The Illawarra community embraced the Race Against Suicide Raceday with more than 2,000 people flooding through the gates of Kembla Grange Racecourse for the event. The Man Walk, Women Illawarra, Illawarra Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Collaborative, Lifeline South Coast, Raising the Bar Foundation, Standby: Support After Suicide, and Talk2MeBro all had marquees on the lawn and racegoers were able to learn about the resources available and chat to representatives about their needs. Racing NSW’s peer support program, Racing Mates, hosted a barbecue in the stables for industry participants.
I98FM, The Illawarra Hawks, and St George Illawarra Dragons supported the day with fun activations including footy passing and basketball shooting challenges. There was also free children’s entertainment.
The official luncheon, hosted by i98FM’s Christian and Bella, heard insights and personal experiences from a panel that included former St George Illawarra Dragons player and Co-Founder of Mental Health Movement Dan Hunt, NSW Chair for Suicide Prevention Australia and The Illawarra Turf Club Director Toby Dawson, and Mrs Hackett, and was moderated by local personality, Marty Haynes OAM.
“The catalyst for The Race Against Suicide Raceday is deeply serious but the event itself was not a sombre occasion,” Mrs Hackett said. “We wanted to raise funds to help those affected by suicide while also creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere for the community to enjoy a day out. To have such strong participation, especially in its first year and in winter, is encouraging.”
The event will now become a permanent fixture on The Illawarra Turf Club’s racing calendar.
“We have received a lot of positive feedback and plan to build on the success of the inaugural event to make 2026 even better,” Mrs Hackett said. “We couldn’t have done it without the local service providers who came on board, the generous donors, and everyone who came along on the day. It’s amazing what can be achieved when the community unites for a cause.”
For media enquiries please contact Operations Manager Chloe Hackett on (02) 4261 7211 or chloe@illawarraturf.com.au