Back to Belmore will mark its 21st anniversary on Sunday, celebrating more than two decades of sustained community advocacy as the peak body for promoting the preservation and restoration of Belmore Sports Ground.

Established in April 2005 at a time when the future of the historic venue was uncertain, Back to Belmore quickly mobilised community support through a petition that garnered more than 10,000 signatures. This was followed by the “Save Belmore Sports Ground to Save Local Sport” advertising campaign, which played a pivotal role in securing $4.9 million in Federal Government funding in May 2010 under the Rudd Labor Government's Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program. A further $2.5 million in State Government funding was secured in October 2010, culminating in the completion of the facility now known as the Steve Folkes High Performance Centre in late 2011.

Since 2015, fifteen NRL premiership matches have been successfully staged at Belmore Sports Ground, attracting more than 200,000 spectators and generating in excess of $6 million for the local economy, a testament to the iconic facility's enduring significance to the Canterbury-Bankstown district.

Construction is now underway on a new three-storey Centre of Excellence featuring high performance training facilities, a project proudly supported by Back to Belmore and widely regarded as one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the Canterbury-Bankstown area in recent years.

Back to Belmore President Luke Cevolani said the organisation's longevity and impact was built on a clear and unwavering purpose.

“For 21 years, Back to Belmore has remained steadfast in its mission to promote the advancement of Belmore Sports Ground as a top-class sporting facility,” Mr Cevolani said.

“We have shaped the conversation around Belmore for more than two decades, and we will continue to do so for the next 21 years and beyond. Our focus has always been on outcomes, not recognition, and that consistency has been the cornerstone of our success.”

Vice President Steven Cataldi paid tribute to the organisation's stability and unity over time.

“In 21 years, Back to Belmore has had just two Presidents, a seven-member committee structure and fourteen individuals serve across that period,” Mr Cataldi said.

“That level of continuity is rare. There has been no infighting, no disunity, no distractions, just a singular focus on ensuring the future of Belmore Sports Ground. That stability has allowed us to remain a truly independent, trusted and effective voice for the community.”

Patron Luke Brailey, who served as the organisation's founding President until 2014, reflected on the origins of the movement and its role in safeguarding the venue.

“When Back to Belmore was formed, the reality was stark. Belmore Sports Ground faced a very uncertain future, and without intervention, its fate would have been very different,” Mr Brailey said.

“We were, quite literally, the last line of defence. The only thing standing between Belmore Sports Ground and the wrecking ball was Back to Belmore. We took up the challenge to fight for the facility when few others would. 21 years ago, seven local residents gathered in Belmore and dared to think big. Imagine what we could all achieve if we continue to think big.”

Mr Brailey said the organisation's focus now turns to the future of the Belmore precinct.

“With construction underway on the Centre of Excellence, our priority as an independent community organisation is to ensure this project is delivered successfully and that the facility continues to host major sporting events and local content in the years ahead,” he said.

“As the landscape continues to evolve, we will continue to advocate for the broader interests of the precinct and support local businesses on Burwood Road that benefit from activity at the ground, as well as opportunities beyond the perimeter.”

As Back to Belmore enters its third decade, the organisation reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring Belmore Sports Ground remains a thriving hub for sport, community engagement and local economic activity for future generations.