Vikings is incredibly proud and honoured to have received four awards at the 2026 ClubsACT Clubs & Community Awards, held on Friday 23 October, including being named Heart of the Community – Large Club of the Year for the second consecutive year!

The annual awards celebrate the important role Canberra clubs play in their communities, recognising the people, programs and initiatives that create opportunities, strengthen connections and make a positive difference.

For Vikings, the evening was a proud celebration of the passion, dedication and community spirit behind the work we do across Tuggeranong.

Contribution to Grassroots Sport & Inclusion

This award celebrates clubs that champion grassroots sport by encouraging participation, promoting inclusivity and removing barriers that prevent people from getting involved.

Vikings was recognised for our Kids into Sport program, which reflects our dedication to making grassroots sport more accessible for children and families across the Tuggeranong Valley. Since its introduction in 2022, the program has helped more than 120 local children participate in organised sport by reducing financial barriers. Through Kids into Sport, we're proud to help more young people experience the friendships, confidence and sense of belonging that come with being part of a local sporting club.

Community Development & Wellbeing

This award recognises clubs that strengthen community wellbeing by creating opportunities for social connection, inclusion and a greater sense of belonging.

Vikings was recognised for Community Alley at Sunday Funday, an initiative that reflects the importance we place on bringing people together and supporting local organisations. Introduced to our annual Sunday Funday event in 2025, Community Alley provides a dedicated space for charities, community organisations and support services to connect with local families, share their important work and promote opportunities for involvement. Through Community Alley, we're proud to help raise awareness of the valuable work local organisations do and strengthen the connections between these groups and the communities they support.

Education, Learning & Development

This award recognises clubs that support education, vocational training and professional development, creating opportunities for individuals to gain new skills and build meaningful career pathways.

Vikings received this award for our Cadet Program, highlighting the importance we place on investing in young people and developing the next generation of hospitality professionals. Through paid employment, fully funded qualifications, hands-on experience and mentorship, the program provides valuable opportunities for young people to gain industry experience and develop their careers. We're proud to play a part in helping them build the skills and confidence to pursue a future in hospitality.

Heart of the Community - Large Club of the Year

This award recognises clubs that demonstrate excellence across community involvement, innovation and social impact, celebrating those that consistently make a positive and lasting contribution to their communities.

For the second consecutive year, Vikings was honoured to receive the Heart of the Community – Large Club of the Year award. This recognition is particularly meaningful to us, as it reflects the collective efforts of our employees, members, community partners and volunteers who help bring our community initiatives to life. We're incredibly grateful to share this achievement with the many people who contribute to Vikings' role in the Tuggeranong community.

Celebrating Our Finalists

Alongside our four award wins, Vikings was also pleased to be acknowledged as a finalist in three additional categories:

Celebrating Diversity & Social Inclusion

Emerging Talent – Employee of the Year: Tinai Rogoyawa

Individual Service to the Industry: Brett Dean

A special congratulations to Tinai and Brett on their individual achievements, and to everyone involved in the initiatives acknowledged throughout the evening.

Thank You to Our Vikings Community

These awards are a wonderful reflection of the people and partnerships that make our community so special.

We extend our thanks to ClubsACT for celebrating the contributions of clubs across Canberra, and congratulate all the other winners and finalists on their achievements.

We're grateful to share this special moment with our Vikings community and look forward to continuing to support the people, clubs and organisations that make Tuggeranong such a wonderful place to be part of.

2026 Clubs ACT Awards