Barcelona will wear a special jersey featuring the logo of Golf Wang, the streetwear brand of musician Tyler the Creator, for Sunday's El Clasico against Real Madrid. The one-time partnership is part of Spotify's ongoing sponsorship deal with the club. Only 1,899 of the shirts were made available, a nod to the club's founding year of 1899. Shirts cost $600 each through the club's official store. The kit is one of several special designs Barcelona have worn through the Spotify deal, which was extended through 2030.
Young swimmers from across Queensland will compete at the Beef City Swimming Carnival this weekend at the 2nd World War Memorial Pool, Rockhampton. Rockhampton Regional Council is backing the event, hosted by Caribeae Swimming Club, with a $4,500 sponsorship through its Community Assistance Program. Councillor Cherie Rutherford said such carnivals help athletes build confidence, learn from peers and gain pathways to national and international competition, while also boosting local visitor spending. Competitors aged eight and over will race across all strokes and medley events, and the fastest will contest the David Milburn Top Gun event.
Not-for-profit groups with projects benefiting Eumundi have until October 30 to apply for a share of $25,000 in funding. The Experience Eumundi Sponsorship Program, backed by the town's markets, opened its fifth round on September 28. Groups based in the 4562 postcode are eligible, as are others whose work directly benefits the area. Past recipients include a youth mentoring program, an equine therapy service and a blanket warmer for Nambour General Hospital. General manager Mark Cameron urged applicants to read the sponsorship framework first, as competition is strong.
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A well-known North Geelong venue on the Princes Highway has been repainted bright red and renamed the Microkeeper Arena. The Geelong business-led refurbishment also includes new signage and repair works. Microkeeper, a Geelong workforce software company, carried out the work as its partnership with Geelong United Basketball grows. About 250,000 players and spectators use the arena each year. City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said he hopes the venue will host music, karate, gymnastics and boxing events.
Lithgow City Council is inviting event organisers to hold their next regional event in the Seven Valleys. Applications for the Seven Valleys Major Event Sponsorship Program are open until November 1, 2026. The 2026-27 program offers up to $40,000 in sponsorship from a total pool of $40,000. Mayor Cassandra Coleman said the region's towns, natural landscapes and heritage places could suit many kinds of events. Lithgow Halloween runs on Main Street on October 31, and the Wild Food Festival returns in February 2027.
The Molong Marlins community swimming club has launched a summer sponsorship program to help local children from families facing financial hardship take part in swimming. Backers are being sought to fund $250 sponsorships, and assistance will be kept confidential. Club president Kane Bird said the program lets children swim, stay active and spend time with friends without a financial burden on their families. About 100 swimmers aged five to 17 take part, including in weekly Saturday carnivals against neighbouring clubs. Training starts on Monday 2 November, with registration fees expected to be $120.
German sportswear company adidas has signed a multi-year deal to supply official apparel to the Parramatta Eels. The agreement starts ahead of the 2027 NRL and NRLW seasons and covers men's, women's and elite academy squads. A documentary-style brand film, Made for Parra, launches the partnership. Product design and retail details will be announced closer to the 2027 season. Club and adidas executives say the deal is a long-term commitment to the club's Western Sydney community.
Griffith City Council has launched the Baiada 12 Days of Christmas in Kooyoo, with Baiada as the major sponsor. The program runs from 1 to 12 December and will turn Kooyoo Street Mall into a festive community hub. Local businesses, community groups, schools, performers and individuals are invited to host their own Christmas-themed events. Council has waived fees for approved event spaces and facilities in the mall and will promote approved activities free of charge. Expressions of Interest close at 4pm on Sunday, 18 October 2026.
Hawkesbury Council is inviting applications for its Community Sponsorship Program for 2026/27. Resilient Hawkesbury offers up to $3,000 to community organisations that help build connection, health, inclusion and resilience. The Participation category pays $150 to individuals and $750 to teams of five or more heading to state, national or international events. Access to Community Facilities covers half the cost of hiring a council or community facility, up to $750, for eligible not-for-profit groups. Applicants are urged to read the strategy document, assessment matrix and FAQs first.
Hawkesbury Council is inviting applications for its Community Sponsorship Program for 2026/27. Resilient Hawkesbury offers up to $3,000 to community organisations that help build connection, health, inclusion and resilience. The Participation category pays $150 to individuals and $750 to teams of five or more heading to state, national or international events. Access to Community Facilities covers half the cost of hiring a council or community facility, up to $750, for eligible not-for-profit groups. Applicants are urged to read the strategy document, assessment matrix and FAQs first.
TNA Wrestling has announced a partnership with LaFrance, the lifestyle fashion brand founded by LaMelo Ball. The deal was revealed during commentary at TNA's Bound For Glory pay-per-view. As part of the agreement, TNA referees will wear blue shirts with white LaFrance lettering instead of traditional black-and-white stripes. Ball previously appeared on WWE Monday Night Raw in 2017 alongside his father and brother. Ball's first season with the Minnesota Timberwolves opens on October 21 against the Miami Heat.
An ABC investigation has detailed allegations that Mark Dennis, a Sydney criminal defence barrister, gained power within the children's charity Sunrise Cambodia and had access to vulnerable children. Dennis was arrested after child abuse material was allegedly found on his devices when he returned from Cambodia in January. He was released on bail and was later found dead at his home in February. Former staff say they saw troubling behaviour but felt unable to report it because Dennis was a major sponsor.
Businesses and influencers are distancing themselves from fitness figure Sam Wood, who remains in custody facing domestic violence charges. DBG Health has ended all commercial arrangements with him, and Foxes Den has severed its partnership. Influencers including Jules Robinson and Tania Monk have also ended ties with the 28 by Sam Wood brand. Wood denies strangling his wife, and his lawyers plan to challenge the refusal of bail in the Queensland Supreme Court. His Brighton gym, The Woodshed, has had its logo painted over but remains operational.
Torquay College will host its first Community Cup golf event on 23 October to strengthen ties with the local community. The event at RACV Torquay golf course will feature teams and individual players, with sponsorship opportunities for businesses. Entry costs $80 per person and includes 18 holes of golf, a closing ceremony, and refreshments. The college aims to foster connections with families, businesses, and community organisations.
Data centre operator Firmus has withdrawn its share market float, disappointing some investors. In northern Tasmania, where Firmus planned three projects, the Environmental Awareness Association welcomed the news. The group had campaigned against the company's plans, citing concerns about noise, air pollution, and property value impacts. Firmus maintains it remains well-positioned to execute its plans, including in Tasmania. Premier Jeremy Rockliff has supported the company's projects in the state.
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The Business Chamber Tamborine Mountain is seeking sponsors for the 2026 Scarecrow Festival, which will run from October 30 to November 1. This year's event will include a centralised festival at Cauldron Distillery alongside the usual Scarecrow Trail. Treasurer Janice Smart said the festival aims to attract 2000 to 2500 visitors over three days, with sponsorships helping to fund live music, community groups, and other attractions.
Motorsport sponsorship has shifted from traditional industries to technology sectors, with artificial intelligence and machine learning now prominent. Tech executives, including founders of major companies, are increasingly funding amateur racing. Chip Ganassi Racing's collaboration with OpenAI has yielded significant results, with driver Álex Palou securing his fifth championship in six seasons. The partnership focuses on optimising car setups, a process documented in a YouTube series. This season, Palou won a third of all races and achieved eight poles, demonstrating the impact of AI/ML in motorsport performance.
The Woodside Wildcats football club in Gippsland has accepted sponsorship from Woodside Energy, intensifying the national debate over fossil fuel partnerships in Australian sports. While climate activists protest Woodside's alliance with the Fremantle Dockers, local communities welcome the funding for grassroots sports. Woodside Energy has invested in new facilities and community events, highlighting its long-standing ties to the region. The company argues that its sponsorship supports local sports and economic development. This sponsorship contrasts with growing calls for elite sports teams to adopt more sustainable partnerships.
