By Bronwyn Hastings

Ararat’s Mess and Barracks and Horsham Sports and Community Club were announced winners in their respective 2026 Community Clubs Victoria Gala Awards categories on Saturday.

Among a record-breaking number of nominees and 400 attendees, the Ararat venue was awarded best community club refurbishment under $1-million – it was also a finalist in the regional best club bistro/restaurant category – while Horsham Sports and Community Club won the social impact award. 

Ararat RSL developed Mess and Barracks in the town’s historic Courthouse Hotel, offering dining, drinks and accommodation with the purpose of being a welcoming haven for veterans and their community.

Horsham Sports and Community Club was awarded for its partnership with Horsham’s Christian Emergency Food Centre, recognising its series of supports for individuals and families experiencing hardship. 

Key projects included the annual reverse advent calendar project – last year donating 501 food hampers – and the ongoing preparation and donation of ready-to-heat meals.

The award also recognised the club’s $50,000 major community project last year, which was determined by a vote of more than 600 club members and funded the purchase of a new food transport van for the Christian Emergency Food Centre. 

Club marketing and community engagement manager Laura Russell said she was ‘shocked’ to hear the club’s name announced at the gala awards.

“There were two candidates for that award – us and Doxa Community Club,” she said.

“They’re massive, they have two clubs in the city, and they support youth across Victoria, so to be nominated against them and then win, we were quite shocked.

“Community impact is at the heart of everything we do. We are incredibly proud of our partnership with the Christian Emergency Food Centre and the positive outcomes these programs continue to deliver. 

“This award reinforces the importance of clubs playing an active role in supporting the communities they serve.”

Club manager Daniel Hounsell said the recognition was made even more special by the quality of the finalists.

“To be recognised alongside Doxa is a tremendous honour, and we are incredibly proud of our club, Horsham and the Wimmera,” he said.

“This award belongs to everyone who has contributed to making a positive difference in our community.”

The award follows a milestone year for the club, which has surpassed $4-million in community sponsorships and support distributed throughout the region since its inception.

Applications open

Ms Russell said another $50,000 was available to a major community project this year.

“The board announced another $50,000 sponsorship for a major community project, so we’re looking for applications for any projects or community initiatives across the region,” she said.

“This is the fifth year of this specific funding program – previous recipients include Nhill Lake table shelters, Christian Emergency Food Centre van, and a smart water project at Horsham Cemetery. 

“We know $50,000 would make a significant difference to one community project.”

Applications are now open and will close at 5pm on Friday, August 7.

Winners are voted by club members after being shortlisted by its board.

For more information and to apply, people can visit HSCC hscc.au/50k. 

The entire July 8, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!