Five Blue Mountains sports organisations have been successful in the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program.
The grants totalling about $56,000 will go towards a range of projects: from a PA system for an athletics club, a sprung floor for a gymnastic program, a coach development program; and a range of other projects promoting inclusion.
The successful recipients include the Springwood Districts Athletics Club ($7399), Blue Mountains Roller Derby League ($8415), Springwood and District Citizens Boys and Girls Club ($14,352), Leura Golf Club ($15,546) and Blue Mountains Basketball Association ($14,072).
These sporting organisations in the Blue Mountains electorate have shared in $4.49 million following the awarding of grants for minor facility upgrades, new equipment and programs that support and encourage participation in sport and active recreation in NSW.
Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle said:
“I am delighted to be able to help these valuable local sporting groups improve their facilities and programs. These sports grants will help our local clubs buy vital equipment and resources to enable more Blue Mountains residents to participate in sport.
“It was great to be able to give this news personally to each of the groups and discover just how much it means to them.”
Blue Mountains Basketball Association will use their funding for free basketball programs for youth and women in the Upper Blue Mountains, including coach-led open gym sessions, girls’ holiday camps, and Women Who Hoop workshops.
Club spokesman Brendan Martin said the idea is “to increase skills, confidence, and participation by removing cost barriers, creating inclusive opportunities, and linking players to ongoing competitions and community engagement”.
The Blue Mountains Roller Derby League’s vice president Natalie Forbes, also known as her Derby moniker ‘Roxy Tocin’, said their club will use the government funding to “provide free loan gear, removing financial barriers for new members from all backgrounds”.
“It’s an expensive sport putting everything together. We want to put kids’ gear aside [such as skates and protective gear] so nothing is holding them [new skaters] back.”
“We will also improve community presence through a promotional campaign and enhance club security with a new storage locker, increasing new registrations and fostering sustainable growth,” Ms Forbes added.
The club has represented the Mountains community all around Australia and some of their junior members represented Australia at the Junior World Cup in Seattle in 2015.
Springwood and District Citizens Boys and Girls Club’s Danielle Connelly said their outdated spring floor matting “limits skill development and program options” and by upgrading to a robust floor, it will support safe equipment use and expand classes for all ages.
“Without this upgrade members risk travelling elsewhere for more modern programs,” she added.
Springwood District Athletics Club will use their funding to develop all age managers in nationally recognised athletics coaching accreditation, which will increase safety and athlete retention. The club also received funding to purchase a modern public announcement system and a protective high jump mat cover to improve event safety, communication, and enhance the experience for athletes, volunteers, and spectators.
And lastly the Leura Golf Club will use their funding to provide equal and safe golf tee access to all golfing participants, regardless of gender, identity, background ability or age.
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
“The Minns Labor Government is backing, communities and organisations across NSW to enjoy the benefits of sport and active recreation.
“With tight budgets and clubs ever more reliant on volunteers, the Local Sport Grant funding gives teams resources to invest where they need, be it purchasing new jerseys or hosting local events like come and try days.
“I congratulate the more than 500 sports organisations across NSW that were successful in securing funding and commend them for their commitment to our collective health, wellbeing and sense of identity.”
For further information, including the list of successful projects, visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/local-sport-grant-program
MEDIA: Brenda Cunningham-Lewis | Trish Doyle MP (02) 4751 3298 [email protected]
