With more than 190 members, the Onslow Sports Club is a cornerstone of community life in the region – bringing people together through sport, hospitality and a sense of belonging.
A recent MinRes Community Grants contribution has enabled the Club to purchase 10 new sets of lawn bowls, essential kitchen equipment, a new projector and a three-door bar fridge.
While the practical value of these upgrades is clear, the broader impact speaks to something more significant: ensuring the club remains financially sustainable and socially vibrant well into the future.
New equipment means greater capacity to host events, generate revenue and attract new members, all of which contribute to the club's long-term ability to serve as a social hub for the Onslow community.
Onslow Sports Club President Tara Colum said the relationship with MinRes had made a tangible difference, both on and off the green.
"MinRes' support has been fantastic for the Sports Club," Colum said.
"It's not just about the equipment – it's the ongoing partnership and commitment to our events that's helping make the club more active, successful and a place the whole community can enjoy."
That sentiment is echoed by MinRes Port Operations Manager Paul Wheeler, who relocated to Onslow with his family to support the Onslow Iron project and is a regular at the club.
"As someone who lives in the town and regularly uses the Sports Club, it's great to see the positive impact our support is having," Wheeler said.
"The club plays such an important role in bringing the community together and MinRes is proud to be able to contribute to its ongoing success."
Paul's perspective is a reminder that MinRes' presence in Onslow goes beyond project delivery. Its people live, shop and socialise in the community and the organisation's investment in local amenity reflects a genuine connection.
MinRes' footprint in Onslow is anchored by Onslow Iron, which exports iron ore through the Port of Ashburton located south of the town.
The project achieved first ore on ship ahead of schedule in May 2024, just 11 months after breaking ground, and reached nameplate capacity of 35 million tonnes per annum in August 2025.
The early success of Onslow Iron emphasises MinRes' long-term commitment to the region, which runs parallel to the company's investment in community.
MinRes' Community Grants program supports community groups in the regions where it operates, with grants of up to $10,000 on offer for events and initiatives aligned to key pillars of health and wellbeing, economic empowerment and strengthening local communities.
MinRes is committed to building and maintaining strong and respectful community relationships in the regions where it operates.
Learn more about MinRes’ approach to community and stakeholder engagement.
