General News
19 July, 2026
State recognition for HSCC
THE Horsham Sports and Community Club has earned a prestigious state honour, taking home the Social Impact Award at the 2026 Community Clubs Victoria Awards Gala. The award recognises the club’s partnership with the Christian Emergency Food Centre and its consistent efforts to assist individuals and families experiencing financial hardship across the region.
HSCC Marketing and Community Engagement manager Laura Russell said the award reflected the commitment and generosity of the club’s members, local businesses, churches, and the wider Horsham community.
“Community impact is at the heart of everything we do,” she said.
“We’re incredibly proud of our partnership with the Christian Food Centre and the positive outcomes these programs continue to deliver.
“This award reinforces the important role clubs can play in supporting the communities they serve.”
Key initiatives recognised included the Revere Advent Calendar Project, the monthly preparation and donation of ready-to-heat meals, and the club’s $50,000 Major Community Project, which funded a new food transport van for the Christian Emergency Food Centre.
During last year’s Christmas period, the Reverse Advent Calendar Project collected 501 food hampers, taking the total number donated through the initiative to more than 1,600 over the past four and a half years.
The club’s kitchen team also continues to prepare and donate 120 ready-to-heat meals every month for vulnerable members of the community.
HSCC manager Daniel Hounsell said the acknowledgement was especially meaningful given the calibre of the finalists.
“We were genuinely shocked when HSCC was announced as the winner,” he said.
“To be recognised alongside Doxa Community club is a tremendous honour, and we’re incredibly proud of our club, Horsham, and the Wimmera.
“The award belongs to everyone who has contributed to making a positive difference in our community.”
The award follows another significant milestone for the local club, which recently surpassed $4 million in community sponsorships and support delivered across the region since its founding.