- Local sporting groups and public schools set for major boost to improve community sport facilities
- Almost $3 million awarded to date through the Cook Government's Community Use of School Sporting Facilities Program
- Program encouraging collaboration in community sport and growing participation
- Funding part of the Cook Government's commitment to delivering quality community sporting infrastructure and supporting active, healthy lifestyles
Public schools and local sporting groups throughout Western Australia will share in more than $1.4 million in Cook Government funding to make community sports facilities more inclusive and accessible.
The $10 million Community Use of School Sporting Facilities (CUSSF) Program aims to build partnerships and agreements between schools and community sporting groups to help better utilise existing sporting facilities.
Under the funding program's third round, $1,400,594 in grants have been awarded to 33 schools across 10 sporting codes, providing upgrades for local infrastructure, sport equipment, and school resources.
Round three recipients include:
- Bunbury Senior High School and Bunbury Volleyball Association for line marking and an electronic scoreboard;
- Donnybrook District High School and Bunbury and Districts Little Athletics Centre for purchase of a sea container for storage, equipment, and refurbishment of the long jump pit;
- Kelmscott Senior High School, WA Cricket, and Rossmoyne Volleyball Club for oval upgrades, a new sport shed, security system upgrades, court line markings, and installation of goal posts and nets;
- Ellenbrook Secondary College and Volleyball WA for sea container storage, outdoor beach volleyball goal posts, grandstand seating, earthworks, and turfing;
- Yuluma Primary School and Scarborough Junior Cricket Club for refurbishment and replacement of cricket nets, rejuvenation of the oval, and purchase of a cricket wicket cover; and
- Geraldton Senior High School, Chapman Valley Football Club, Kazuals Netball Club, and Pumas Netball Club for turf renovation and repairs and resurfacing of outdoor basketball and netball courts.
The program aims to increase access to school sporting facilities outside of school hours, encouraging further participation in local sport and developing a greater sense of community connection.
Launched last year, the CUSSF Program awarded $1.5 million across the first two funding rounds, helping community groups utilise public school facilities - including courts, ovals, and sports halls - by funding facility upgrades and improved sporting resources.
Developed in partnership with the Department of Education and the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, the program is building stronger, more active WA communities, and helping to boost participation in grassroots sport, ensuring school facilities are used to their full potential.
This funding is a part of PlayOn WA: 2,030 by 2030 - the State Government's bold initiative to help guide investment in community sport and recreation infrastructure across the State over the next decade.
PlayOn WA is ensuring sport and recreation facilities across WA keep pace with growing communities, support active lifestyles, and provide inclusive spaces for Western Australians of all ages and abilities to connect and move.
The next round of CUSSF funding will open in Term 1, 2026. More information can be found at: https://www.cits.wa.gov.au/funding/sport-and-recreation-funding/community-use-of-school-sporting-facilities-program
It is part of the Cook Government's commitment to building inclusive communities and supporting Western Australians to stay active.
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Sport is the lifeblood of our communities, and by opening up school facilities to sporting groups after hours, we're giving more kids, families, and clubs the chance to participate and thrive.
"This program is strengthening the ties between schools and sporting clubs, creating lasting relationships that support healthier, more connected communities.
"Our government is proud to be investing in local schools and sporting clubs across Western Australia, ensuring these upgrades set our communities up for success in the future."
As stated by Education Minister Sabine Winton:
"The Cook Labor Government is committed to building vibrant, thriving communities.
"This program plays an important role in deepening the relationship between schools and sporting clubs, giving more young people and their families the opportunity to stay active, connected, and involved in their local community.
"I look forward to seeing the positive impact this funding has on local schools and sporting clubs."
