Funding Boost for St George Community Sport

A $25 million recovery package for the sport and recreation sector has been unveiled, providing a helping hand for grassroots sporting clubs and associations as community sport returns.

Member for Oatley, Mark Coure, said the Sport and Recreation Recovery and Community Rebuild Package will provide financial support, assistance and participation opportunities throughout the St George area.

“This funding injection will support the community sport and recreation sector which has done it particularly tough over the past 18 months. It will mean that they can bounce back stronger in their upcoming season with the equipment and assistance they need,” Mr Coure said.

“I advocated strongly for increased funding in this area because I know how important community sport and recreation is for the mental health and wellbeing of our community.”

“Eligible sporting clubs and associations will be able to access grants of up to $1,000 and this is in addition to other initiatives which will be delivered throughout NSW.”

Premier, Dominic Perrottet, said the package would help the sector bounce back after disruption to competitions and activities

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“The COVID lockdown has had a major impact on everyone’s lives, including the more than 30,000 employees and 415,000 volunteers across more than 10,000 sporting clubs and associations throughout the State,” Premier Perrottet said.

Treasurer, Matt Kean, said it was critical sporting organisations who have faced tough financial times get the help they need to not just keep going but flourish into the future.

“This package will ensure sporting organisations and their staff stay in the game and participants can return to training and competition immediately,” Treasurer Kean said.

Minister for Sport, Natalie Ward, said COVID restrictions meant millions of sports lovers in NSW had been unable to take part in their community competitions.

“Thanks to our vaccination rates, we are welcoming back community sport and I am delighted to see people back out doing what they love,” Minister Ward said.

The Sport and Recreation Recovery and Community Rebuild Package includes:

· Up to $12.5 million for grants of up to $1,000 to eligible clubs and associations.

· Up to $7.8 million to support sporting organisations and peak bodies.

· $3.1 million to support participation initiatives focused on areas most affected by restrictions, including south-western Sydney and regional NSW.

· Up to $1 million for grants to support marketing and promotional activities for outdoor and active recreation providers.

· $600,000 to support regional talent pathways in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

Applications for the grants of up to $1,000 open in November 2021.

For more information, please visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/recoverypackage.