Entries open for 2026 Canberra Community Chest as Water Wombats reveal impact of $25,000 win
Entries have opened for the 2026 Canberra Community Chest, giving local charities and community groups their chance to race for their share of $50,000.
Water Wombats, whose horse Kintyre won the race back in 2025, secured a $25,000 contribution to their important programs which has enabled the small Canberra charity to deliver therapeutic and water safety programs for children and families living with disability, trauma and complex needs.
“It was honestly a little surreal.” Water Wombats Founder Carol Jennings said. “Kintyre is a magnificent horse, and the team members who were there still talk about how special it felt to be part of that moment.”
“There was excitement, disbelief and a real sense that something wonderful had just happened for the families we support.”
The Canberra Racing Club initiative sees 12 local charities and community groups united with 12 equine heroes, competing for their share of a $50,000 community chest at Thoroughbred Park.
“It was exciting, nerve-wracking and completely unlike any other funding opportunity we have been part of. As a small charity, so much of our work depends on careful planning and constant problem-solving, so there was something both terrifying and joyful about knowing the outcome was entirely out of our hands until the race was run,” Jennings said.
Almost a year on, the $25,000 has proven every bit as transformative as Water Wombats hoped. The funding has helped sustain the charity’s sponsored and free-place program, supporting families who would otherwise be unable to access therapy, water safety and community participation programs, as well as the organisation’s broader community outreach work.
“Around one in five Water Wombats placements are fully sponsored or free, and around 35 per cent of participants receive either fully or partially subsidised support, so funding like this directly protects access for families who would otherwise miss out.” Jennings said.
“For some families, a sponsored place means their child can finally access water safety and therapeutic support in a setting that understands disability, trauma, anxiety and sensory needs, rather than being excluded from yet another community activity.”
“On the pool deck, the funding has also gone toward specialised equipment and staff training, including communication boards, Key Word Sign training for staff, and pool toys and equipment designed to support children with complex sensory, communication, physical and regulation needs.”
“The funding has supported the practical tools and training needed to deliver safe, individualised and therapeutic aquatic programs. On the pool deck, that means staff are better equipped to support children with complex needs, while families see a more confident, consistent and responsive service.”
The win has also given Water Wombats the confidence to plan for a bigger future, and Carol Jennings believes the Canberra Community Chest has played an important role in building the profile that helped attract ACT Government support for the charity’s recently launched Veteran Aquatic Therapy Program.
“For a small charity, $25,000 is significant because it does not just fund a single activity; it creates breathing room and stability. It has helped us keep families connected now, while also strengthening our confidence to plan for a larger, more sustainable future for Water Wombats as a whole-family, allied health and community support service,” Jennings said.
“Winning the Community Chest helped reinforce that Water Wombats is a credible, community-backed charity doing meaningful work across disability, family support and therapeutic aquatic services. That kind of recognition matters, because it helps build trust, visibility and confidence when we are speaking with government, partners and community stakeholders about expanding access to support.”
With entries for the 2026 Canberra Community Chest now open, Water Wombats is encouraging other local charities and community groups to apply.
“I would absolutely encourage other organisations to apply.” Jennings said. “Regardless of the final result, the event offers valuable networking with like-minded community organisations, genuine visibility, and an opportunity to be spoiled by Thoroughbred Park’s wonderful hospitality. For a small charity, the funding can be genuinely transformative, but the relationships and recognition that come with the experience are also incredibly valuable.”
“It was a wonderful experience for the Water Wombats team, not only because of the outcome, but because of the generosity and community spirit around the whole event.”
“Thoroughbred Park’s hospitality was incredible, and the day gave our team, volunteers and families a chance to feel celebrated, included and connected to the wider Canberra community.”
Charities, community groups and sporting clubs with a significant connection to the Canberra region are invited to apply for the 2026 Canberra Community Chest via thoroughbredpark.com.au before applications close at 12pm on Wednesday, 2 September.
The 2026 Canberra Community Chest, supported by Affinity Electrical Technologies, will be held at Thoroughbred Park on Sunday, 22 November 2026 and with free entry into the racecourse.