11 December 2025

Whitehaven continues strong partnership with Tamworth Crows to support community initiatives

Whitehaven was proud to sponsor the Tamworth Crows Football Club for 2025, providing financial support to assist with their participation in the NSW Koori Knockout and a range of community initiatives that extend far beyond the football field.

Since the Club’s establishment in 2023, the Tamworth Crows have been committed to improving outcomes for Indigenous communities through sport – a philosophy that aligns with Whitehaven’s own approach. Operating in a region where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 12.7% of the population – well above the NSW average – the Crows use football as a powerful platform to address challenges such as health disparities, youth engagement, and employment barriers.

Whitehaven’s partnership with the Crows reflects our commitment to key pillars in their Indigenous Engagement Strategy including:

• Health – Promoting physical and mental wellbeing through active participation in sport.
• Education – Supporting programs that encourage learning and life skills for young people.
• Employment – Creating pathways and opportunities for Indigenous people within our business and the broader community.
• Cultural Awareness – Celebrating and strengthening cultural identity through events like the Koori Knockout.

Bob Sutherland, Senior Manager – Indigenous Engagement at Whitehaven, sees significant benefits for Indigenous people through the partnership.

“Our partnership with the Tamworth Crows is about more than football. It’s about creating opportunities, building cultural pride, and supporting initiatives that make a real difference in the community.

“We’re proud to stand alongside the Crows as they continue to grow and deliver positive outcomes for Indigenous people in the region.”

While the Crows are about more than football, there’s no denying the NSW Koori Knockout is a highlight on the Indigenous sporting calendar. Game days represent the culmination of year-round effort, bringing together players, families, and the broader community in celebration of sport, culture, and community pride.

During 2025, with the assistance of strong partnerships, the Tamworth Crows have gone beyond the Knockout and beyond the game, delivering seven major program streams that directly impacted hundreds of community members and addressed critical social issues such as domestic violence, health, employment, and financial literacy. Through initiatives like youth banking programs and home ownership advice sessions, the Crows have empowered young people and families to build stronger futures. Cultural preservation and celebration also remain at the heart of their work, alongside measurable improvements in participant wellbeing.

Jake Morris, Tamworth Crow’s President, gave special recognition to Whitehaven for its sponsorship commitment, which has been instrumental in the club’s capacity to deliver comprehensive programs across all seven activity streams.

“Whitehaven’s investment demonstrates what can be achieved through strong corporate leadership in regional communities and genuine partnership with Indigenous people.

“Their support has enabled the Crows to operate with stability and confidence, knowing that critical programs, from employment pathways to health initiatives, have the backing needed to create lasting impact.

“This partnership exemplifies how major regional employers can drive meaningful social outcomes while strengthening the communities in which they operate,” he added.

Whitehaven is proud to have been a key partner in the Crows’ journey as they continue to grow and create positive change for Indigenous communities in Tamworth and beyond.

To find out more about Whitehaven’s commitment to Indigenous engagement, refer to our website.

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