FEDERAL FUNDING BOOST FOR LOCAL SPORTING EVENTS

In a boost to local sport and the regional economy, Upper Hunter and Gwydir Shire Councils have been awarded Federal Government grants for local sporting events.

Member for New England and Deputy Prime Minister, Barnaby Joyce said the Upper Hunter Shire Council will receive $8,250 towards the Lake Glenbawn Off-Road Triathlon, while Gwydir Shire Council will receive $10,000 for the Bingara Bush Bash Tennis Competition.

Mr Joyce said the allocations come from the Federal Government’s Regional Sport Events Fund.

“The initiative is supporting regional sport while also helping to boost local economies by attracting more visitors to regional areas to attend sporting events,” Mr Joyce said

“The Lake Glenbawn Off-Road Triathlon, to be held on 6 November, and the Bingara Bush Bash Tennis Competition from 10 to 13 June, will bring the community together, attract visitors and stimulate the local economy after a challenging few years.

“Sport helps strengthen the fabric of community across the New England and the Liberal-Nationals Government is committed to helping people reconnect and celebrate through sport,” Mr Joyce said.

Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the program will have wide-ranging benefits for local communities.

“With funding of up to $50,000 available to host regional sporting events, the Federal Government is helping to ensure regional communities can bounce back after the devastating effects of the pandemic and recent flooding,” Minister Colbeck said.

“We’ve seen applications for events ranging from ‘come and try days’ to larger events such as state sporting championships that will engage the broader community and have flow on effects for local businesses,” he said.

All local councils in regional, rural and remote areas across Australia are able to apply for funding to host sporting events. Applications close on 29 April.

More information about the Regional Sport Events Fund can be found here.