Equipment grants open for sporting clubs

Sporting clubs around Western Australia can apply to upgrade their playing equipment as the latest round of a $500 subsidy scheme opens today.

The Community Sporting Club Equipment Subsidy, which started last year, gives sporting clubs State-wide a one-off $500 to spend on increasing or upgrading shared sporting equipment.

“The State Government acknowledges the important role sporting clubs play in our community so this is a chance to give them a little help,” Sport and Recreation Minister Mia Davies said.

“So far clubs who have already received this subsidy have done terrific things with their new equipment, from starting new junior teams to replacing worn-out gear including baseball gloves, bats, flippers and a horse jump.”

To date, 605 regional clubs have received $302,500 and 474 metropolitan clubs have benefitted from $237,000 for new equipment.

Subsidies for regional clubs are provided through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said sporting clubs were often at the heart of country communities and State Government investment in sport and recreation opportunities for regional WA was an important part of Royalties for Regions.

“The scheme provides regional clubs with direct assistance with equipment costs, complementing our existing investment in regional sport,” Mr Redman said.

“It’s important to provide regional clubs with the financial boost to enable an increased participation from local communities, creating active and sustainable regions.”

Administered by the Department of Sport and Recreation, the four-year scheme will grant $1 million to metropolitan clubs and $1 million to regional clubs.