- 2018-19 Regional Grants Scheme supporting local AFL, cricket, hockey and netball clubs with nearly $60,000 of funding
- Country sport helps bond regional communities, providing benefits far beyond the sporting field
Premier Mark McGowan today visited the Wheatbelt region to announce a number of important community grants in support of developing the next generation of regional sporting champions.
The Premier visited a cricket training camp in Northam, one of five Wheatbelt-based AFL, cricket, hockey and netball clubs that will share in nearly $60,000 worth of grants.
Regional Western Australia has long been a rich source of sporting talent for the State, and the McGowan Government is committed to ensuring local communities have the resources to develop the next crop of talent.
Grassroots sport is also, in many cases, the cornerstone of Wheatbelt communities, where players of all abilities, ages and backgrounds come together to enjoy the health and lifestyle benefits of social sport.
The 2018-19 Regional Grants Scheme (Wheatbelt) includes:
- Wheatbelt Regional Cricket Council - $15,000;
- Netball WA - $15,000;
- Midlands Regional Football Development Council - $12,500;
- Upper Great Southern Hockey Association - $10,000; and
- Wheatbelt Regional Football Development Council - $5,000.
This round is the first to be awarded as part of the 2018-19 Regional Grants Scheme, with successful applicants from other regions to be announced in the near future.
As noted by Premier Mark McGowan:
"We know how important it is to support the next generation of country sports stars - after all, three quarters of the West Coast Eagles premiership team came from regional areas.
"It is important we also recognise the value grassroots sport brings to Wheatbelt communities. Local sports and their clubs bond towns together and are often a cornerstone of the community."
As noted by Agricultural Region MLC Darren West:
"These grants will make a big difference to local sporting clubs in the Wheatbelt.
"Country people play grassroots sport for the love of the game and the love of their community. This funding will help clubs grow and thrive at all levels."
As stated by Agricultural Region MLC Laurie Graham:
"I'm proud to be part of a government that is supporting grassroots sport. Some of the country's best athletes started out in local clubs in regional WA, and it's vital that we continue to support the next generation of sporting stars."
