Western Bulldogs Community Foundation

Western Bulldogs Community Foundation The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation is the community services arm of the Western Bulldogs

09/09/2026

“It’s a fraternity, it’s a brotherhood.” 💙❤️

There’s something pretty special about Sons of the West.

For 10 weeks, men from across the west come together to move, learn, have honest conversations and, most importantly, support one another.

Journalist Fergus Ellis recently stepped into the program to experience it for himself and left understanding exactly what makes Sons of the West so special.

From sharing a laugh and kicking the footy, to having the conversations that matter, it’s a place where men can be themselves, build genuine connections and know they’re not alone.

As participant David Oke puts it: “You never take for granted the bonds and fellowship you make at Sons of the West.”

Read the full story via the link in our bio. 🔗

Thank you, Libba. 💙❤️🤍As Tom Liberatore calls time on a stellar career, we want to take a moment to recognise the incred...
08/09/2026

Thank you, Libba. 💙❤️🤍

As Tom Liberatore calls time on a stellar career, we want to take a moment to recognise the incredible impact he has made both on and off the field.

Throughout his career, Tom has been a fierce competitor, a leader and a proud Bulldog, but his contribution to our community has been just as meaningful.

From spending his Monday afternoons supporting young people through our Social & Study Club, to attending our GOAL Mentoring Program and connecting with young people through our Youth Leadership Project, Tom has consistently given his time, energy and genuine care to others.

More recently, Tom saw the impact of homelessness in his local community and asked how he could help. That led to his involvement with the Lighthouse Café in Footscray, where he has continued to volunteer, prepare meals and create connection for people experiencing homelessness.

His commitment to making a difference, connecting with our community and giving back has left a lasting mark on so many people.

From all of us at the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, thank you, Tom, for everything you have given to our community and the next generation of Bulldogs.

In 2025, Leaders of the Pack continued to support young women from multicultural backgrounds to build confidence, streng...
31/08/2026

In 2025, Leaders of the Pack continued to support young women from multicultural backgrounds to build confidence, strengthen their leadership skills and create meaningful connections within their communities.

Across the program:
🐾 23 young people participated, with all 23 successfully graduating
🌏 88.8% came from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
🗣️ 50% spoke languages other than English
🤝 94% felt confident connecting with community leaders
⭐ 87.5% felt confident taking part in leadership activities outside of school
🏃 93.8% felt confident participating in sport and physical activity

Through leadership development, sport, mentoring and community connection, participants explored everything from goal setting and wellbeing to gender equity, intercultural understanding, future pathways and how they can make a positive impact in their communities.

A huge thank you to WorkSafe Victoria, our Major Partner, for their ongoing support and commitment to empowering young people across our communities.

We also thank Active Maribyrnong Partner of our Leaders of the Pack Maribyrnong site for their valued support in helping us deliver Leaders of the Pack and create opportunities for young people to connect, grow and lead.

Together, we’re giving young people the confidence, connections and opportunities to lead, on and off the field.

Wear purple. Show your support. Make inclusion visible.This Wear It Purple Day, we stand alongside LGBTIQA+ young people...
28/08/2026

Wear purple. Show your support. Make inclusion visible.

This Wear It Purple Day, we stand alongside LGBTIQA+ young people and celebrate the importance of creating communities where everyone feels safe, supported and proud to be themselves.

At the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, we believe everyone deserves to feel seen, valued and empowered to thrive in sport, at school, at work and in their community.

Today and every day, let’s continue to champion inclusion, celebrate diversity and create spaces where every young person feels they belong. 💜

In 2025, our Social & Study Club continued to provide a welcoming after-school environment where young people across Mel...
26/08/2026

In 2025, our Social & Study Club continued to provide a welcoming after-school environment where young people across Melbourne’s west could strengthen their academic skills, build confidence and create meaningful connections with their peers.

Across the year:
🎓 68 students participated
🏫 3 secondary schools engaged
📚 48 weekly sessions delivered across four school terms
⭐ 96% felt more motivated to succeed in their studies
🎯 90% were more likely to pursue VCE studies
🤝 76% felt connected to other young people - up from 42%
✏️ Students increased their homework and study time to 2–3 hours per week

Through homework and study support, mentoring, future skills development, social and recreational activities, students strengthened their confidence, study habits and engagement with school while building friendships and a stronger sense of belonging.

A huge thank you to WorkSafe Victoria, our Major Partner, for their ongoing support and commitment to creating opportunities for young people across our communities.

We also thank the Victorian Government Department of Education, our Presenting Partner for their valued support in helping us create spaces where young people can connect, learn and thrive.

Together, we’re helping young people feel supported at school, connected to their communities and confident about their futures. 💙🐾

26/08/2026

Learning from the journey 🐾

Western Bulldogs star Riley Garcia recently joined our Youth Leadership Project participants to share some of the challenges he’s faced throughout his football career and the people who have supported him along the way.

From navigating setbacks to leaning on those around him, Riley spoke about the importance of resilience, support networks and continuing to work towards your goals when things don’t always go to plan.

A great opportunity for our young leaders to hear firsthand about the challenges that can come with pursuing your goals and the value of having the right people in your corner. ❤️🤍💙

In 2025, Nallei Jerring continued to create culturally safe spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young peopl...
25/08/2026

In 2025, Nallei Jerring continued to create culturally safe spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to connect with community, strengthen their identity and build confidence as the next generation of leaders.

Across Melbourne’s west and Ballarat:

🖤 101 young people registered
💛 100 participants attended at least one session
❤️ 15 schools engaged
🤝 55 participants joined in Inner West and 48 in Ballarat
⭐ 91% attended two or more sessions

Through connection with Elders, mentors and community, leadership activities and shared experiences, Nallei Jerring supports young people to feel proud of who they are, where they come from and the strength, they carry forward.

A huge thank you to WorkSafe Victoria, our Major Partner, for their ongoing support and commitment to Nallei Jerring and the young people and communities at the heart of the program.

We also thank our Support Partners, King's Trust Australia, Love the Game, the Victorian Government Department of Education, CDC Victoria and the Alcohol and Drug Foundationn, alongside Community Bank Buninyong, Support Partner of our Ballarat site, and Greater Western Water, Support Partner of our Inner West site.

Together, we’re creating spaces where cultures, connection and leadership can thrive.

What a fantastic afternoon at the Salvation Army and Western Bulldogs Community Foundation Footy Extravaganza lunch on W...
21/08/2026

What a fantastic afternoon at the Salvation Army and Western Bulldogs Community Foundation Footy Extravaganza lunch on Wednesday at Whitten Oval.
 
The event brought together our community through the shared passion of sport, providing an opportunity to strengthen connections, enjoy a meal together and celebrate our community. Thank you to Showtime Event Group and Mona Castle Hotel for helping bring the event to life, and to everyone who attended and contributed to a wonderful day.

Together, we are creating stronger, more connected communities through the power of sport.

In 2025, our GOAL Mentoring Program continued to provide a safe and supportive space for young people from African cultu...
20/08/2026

In 2025, our GOAL Mentoring Program continued to provide a safe and supportive space for young people from African cultural backgrounds across Melbourne’s west to connect, build confidence and strengthen their sense of belonging.

💙 127 young people registered
🙌 78% engagement across the program
🎯 54 sessions delivered
🤝 99 participants attended at least one session
🌍 116 participants spoke a language other than English at home

Through mentoring, leadership development, sport and recreation, cultural activities and community connections, GOAL supported young people to strengthen their confidence and leadership skills, build positive peer relationships and explore future pathways and opportunities.

A huge thank you to WorkSafe Victoria, our Major Partner, for their ongoing support and commitment to creating opportunities for young people across our communities.

We also thank our Support Partners, The King's Trust, the Victorian Government and SCI Australia, for their valuable support in helping us deliver the GOAL Mentoring Program.

Together, we’re helping young people build connections, grow their confidence and feel empowered to pursue what comes next. 💙🐾

19/08/2026

Building confidence through practice 🎤🐾

Western Bulldogs player Lachie Smith recently joined our Youth Leadership Project participants to chat about public speaking and building confidence.

Lachie shared some of his own experiences from when he first arrived at the Club, including navigating public speaking and becoming more comfortable communicating in front of others.

The session gave participants another opportunity to explore the different skills that contribute to leadership, from communication and confidence to stepping outside your comfort zone.

Address

417 Barkly Street
Melbourne, VIC
3011

Telephone

+61 3 9680 6100

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