The season may only be a few games old for Wollongong Lions Australian Football Club, but they are already celebrating a big win for 2021 after taking out the major prize in this month’s #GreaterIllawarra funding round.
For winning the April community vote, Wollongong Lions AFC has received a financial boost of $2000 which they plan on putting towards new training equipment, as well as supporting the continued growth of the women’s participation at the club.
In one of the closest #GreaterIllawarra funding rounds to date, only one-hundred votes separated the winners from the first runner-up, Warilla Wanderers Football Club. A late surge from the Lions saw them take back the lead and pip the sporting counterparts on the final day of voting with the Corrimal Cougars Rugby League Football Club also receiving a $500 runners-up prize.
Wollongong Lions AFC representative, Andriana Babic, said the win was a massive result for the club who, like many, had struggled at times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, not once did she or the club lose the passion to get out there and compete, including when it came time to support their own.
“There were so many unknowns last year which really put an increased mental and financial strain on the players and officials at the club, so winning this is just an incredible result for everyone at the club,” Andriana said,
“It was so close coming into the final day of voting. So, to see the club, players and the broader Illawarra community rally around us to get the win in the final 24 hours was wonderful to witness and be a part of.
“It’s like we’ve already won this year and the season has only really just started. We can’t thank Greater Bank enough.”
Andriana Babic, Wollongong Lions AFC representative
Greater Bank’s Illawarra Regional Sales Manager, Greg Creagan, said supporting local community sporting organisations to succeed both on and off the field will always be a key part of the #GreaterIllawarra funding initiative.
“Sporting clubs, such as the Lions, Wanderers and Cougars, play a vital part in providing the community with a place to connect, have fun and stay physically and mentally healthy,” said Greg.
“It’s why we are so proud at Greater Bank to continue to support these clubs through the #GreaterIllawarra funding initiative and look forward to seeing them succeed this season and for many more years to come.”
The May round of the #GreaterIllawarra program is now open with Figtree Football Club, ADHD Illawarra Support Group and Berkeley Public School all competing for a share in the $3000 funding.
The public can cast their vote online at greater.com.au/greaterillawarra or by visiting a Greater Bank branch. Voting closes at 5pm on Wednesday 26 May 2021.