Twelve Canberra charities were winners at the 2025 Canberra Community Chest race day. Photo: Photox.
A $25,000 windfall described as “transformative” has been awarded to Water Wombats, a Canberra charity providing aquatic therapy for children, after their partnered horse Kintyre won the 2025 Canberra Community Chest at Thoroughbred Park.
Twelve charities took part in the race, each paired with an equine partner, competing for a share of the $50,000 chest.
The initiative, now a highlight on the Canberra racing calendar, guarantees every organisation a financial contribution regardless of finishing order.
This year’s beneficiaries represented health, disability and community service organisations working across the ACT and surrounding regions.
An independent panel selected 11 charity and community partners to take part in this year’s Canberra Community Chest from a group of worthy applicants. A People’s Choice vote determined the final spot.
On race day, the Gary Portelli-trained Kintyre crossed the line first, securing Water Wombats a $25,000 boost to support its aquatic disability services.
Emotional scenes followed as the charity’s representatives embraced trackside. Water Wombats founder Carol Jennings said the moment was overwhelming.
“My first reaction was a mix of disbelief, gratitude and overwhelming joy,” she said.
“Kintyre ran the race with genuine heart, and seeing him cross the line knowing he was racing for our children and families was incredibly moving.
“A day on, the excitement has settled into a deep sense of pride and gratitude. The team is energised, emotional, and motivated,” she said.
“We’ve had families and supporters reaching out; everyone is feeling the significance of what this means for our children.
“It’s more than a prize, it’s momentum for real change. This funding will be transformative.”
Water Wombats representatives were thrilled to collect their $25,000 prize. Photo: Bradley Photos.
The Water Wombats founder said the injection of funds will enable the organisation to expand access to therapeutic aquatic services for children who cannot safely attend mainstream swim schools or require specialised support to access hydrotherapy, particularly deaf and hard-of-hearing children, neurodivergent children, children with physical limitations, and children with medically complex needs.
“This money will support sponsored sessions for vulnerable families, enhance our inclusive communication practices such as AUSLAN and visual supports, and allow us to invest in specialised equipment and staff training.
“Most importantly, it will help us ensure that every child, regardless of disability, diagnosis or communication style, can learn essential water-safety skills and experience the therapeutic benefits of the water.
“This funding will allow Water Wombats to continue delivering holistic, family-centred, and trauma-informed support – breaking down systemic barriers that prevent many children from accessing safe and inclusive therapeutic aquatic environments.”
Since it began, the Canberra Community Chest has distributed more than $150,000 to organisations supporting health, disability, crisis care and family services.
The Canberra Racing Club thanked owners, trainers, racegoers, staff and community partners who contributed to the success of this year’s event.
2025 Community Chest charity allocations:
1st Water Wombats $25,000
2nd Dainere’s Rainbow $7,500
3rd Palliative Care ACT $5,000
4th Rise Above – Capital Region Cancer Relief $3,000
5th Equine Pathways Australia $2,000
6th Canberra Rape Crisis Centre $1,500
7th Pegasus Riding for the Disabled ACT $1,000
8th Project Independence $1,000
9th Bosom Buddies $1,000
10th The Shepherd Centre $1,000
11th Daniela Dwyer Foundation $1,000
12th Respite Care for Queanbeyan $1,000.
