The State Government is to contribute more than $400,000 to construct and repair basketball courts at five remote Aboriginal communities in the West Kimberley region.
Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray made the announcement today in the East Kimberley town of Fitzroy Crossing.
The funding is part of a total of $1,748,721 provided to Aboriginal groups for three major sport and recreation projects in the wider Kimberley region.
The funding is provided under the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF) administered by the Department of Local Government and Cultural Industries.
Of that total, $402,745 will fund the construction of three new multi-purpose sporting courts and upgrade two other sporting courts.
The multi-purpose courts will be located in the Junjuwa, Bayulu, Noonkanbah, Yakanarra and Wangkatjunka communities.
The communities were selected as they are the five largest communities in the Fitzroy Valley region and also represent the main five language groups in the region.
The other two CSRFF projects to be funded are:
- $591,783 to the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley to upgrade change rooms and lighting at Clarrie Cassidy Oval in Wyndham; and
- $754,193 to Ardyaloon Incorporated to construct two basketball courts with lighting in the northern reaches of the Shire of Broome.
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:
"I'm very pleased the State Government has been able to help increase Aboriginal participation rates by helping fund these sport and recreation projects.
"This is the first year we've had the changed funding criteria for remote and regional Aboriginal communities, and this has resulted in a surge of applications.
"Sport plays a big role in the Kimberley and I know the teams here are passionate about their basketball and other sports.
"These courts will not only help players develop their skills - they will provide wider benefits in terms of both mental and physical health and building connected communities."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Josie Farrer:
"I am very happy the State Government has committed to supporting and developing sporting infrastructure and facilities in the Kimberley.
"On behalf of the communities - thank you!"
