Organisations throughout the Hunter have shared in $4.49 million as part of the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program.
The initiative provides funding for minor facility upgrades, new equipment and platforms that support and encourage participation in sport and active recreation.
Almost $50,000 landed in the Cessnock region alone, with the Barnsley United Junior Soccer Club the big winner with $13,277 for its project, Barnsley Bulldogs – Everyone Kicking Goals.
The Wine Country Cricket Club secured $10,299 to improve its ground, while the Abermain Rams Football Club Inc snared $9,653 towards enhancing Mini Roos Football with portable goals.
Another $8,000 went to the Mount Sugarloaf Croquet Club for new mallets in relation to its Learning to Play program.
Other recipients encompassed the Cessnock Supporters Cricket Club ($2,300), Bellbird Junior Football Club ($2,217) and Cardiff Boolaroo District Cricket Club Inc ($3,496).
“This [money] will help our clubs and their army of volunteers to offer more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefits of sport and active recreation,” Cessnock MP Clayton Barr said.
“I congratulate the local organisations that were successful in securing funding.”
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper admitted it was important to back clubs, and their communities, across the state.
“With tight budgets and organisations ever more reliant on volunteers, this funding gives teams resources to invest where they need, be it purchasing new jerseys or hosting local events like come and try days,” he said.
In the Maitland electorate, the beneficiaries were Western Suburbs Cricket Club ($12,500), East Maitland Bowling Club ($11,014), East Maitland Junior Rugby League Football Club ($10,000), Maitland City Softball Club ($4,604), Telarah Bowling Club ($4,000), Thornton Park District Cricket Club ($3,986) and Maitland Pony Club ($3,896).
Successful Newcastle applicants included Northern Sport Fencing Association Incorporated, West Hockey Club Inc, Stockton Sharks Rugby League Football Club, Greater Hunter Coast Premier Cricket Club Inc, Bar In Water Polo Club, Waratah Netball Club Inc, Newcastle City & Eastern Districts Cricket Club, Newcastle Pambilang Sporting Club Inc, Strikers Softball Club Inc, Bar Reef Board Riders, Hunter Swim Club Inc, Bar Beach Tennis Club Inc and Cooks Hill Rugby Union Football Club Inc.
In Charlestown, Kahibah Bowling Club snared $20,000 to install retractable shades over the bowling green to protect players and spectators from sun exposure, while New Lambton Football Club picked up $11,000, Garden Suburb Junior Football Club $6,000 and Windale Gateshead Bowling Club $4,000.
A number of organisations were successful in Swansea, too, from the Doyalson Wyee Football Club ($20,000), Canoe Academy Outrigger Club ($9,950) and Gwandalan and Summerland Point Football Club ($8,373) to the Northern Lakes Junior Rugby League Football Club ($3,261), Swansea-Caves Cricket Club ($3,060) and Lake Macquarie Yacht Club ($2,000).
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