$9 million boost for Indigenous communities' sport in Queensland

Queensland Sport and Recreation Minister Steve Dickson has announced a $9 million funding boost for sport and recreation in Queensland's Indigenous communities.

Minister Dickson said the funding would provide vital grassroots sporting and recreation services throughout 38 Indigenous Queensland communities through PCYC Queensland, explaining "sport and recreation is important to all communities across Queensland, but it is especially critical in Indigenous communities to provide young people with options for active, healthy lifestyles.

"Importantly, too, it allows members of Indigenous communities to get involved in sport, and as we have seen repeatedly, to excel at sport and become Queensland champions.

"Where structured activities are sometimes limited, sport and recreation provides purpose and focus and it also provides a way to promote positive community outcomes."

Minister Dickson said the reshaped Indigenous Community Sport and Recreation Program would begin in January.

"This $9 million in funding for the program over the coming three years will enable the employment of a dedicated sport and recreation officer in Indigenous communities across Queensland."

The funding will see sport and recreation officers employed through PCYC Queensland, and will aid the delivery of a number of sports, vacation activities and after school programs for Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders of all ages.

Minister Dickson said changes to the program included:

• More community involvement in setting program priorities
• Better coordination of planned programs of activities
• More support in the form of mentoring and training for the community
• Funds to support the delivery of activities in communities.

He added "my department looks forward to working closely with PCYC Queensland, other government and non-government agencies and local reference groups to continue to improve the range and quality of sport and recreation opportunities available to Indigenous Queenslanders."

PCYC Chief Executive Senior Sergeant Rob Fiedler said the generous support from the Queensland Government was recognition that remote communities should have the same opportunity to participate in sport and recreation as larger cities.

Sergeant Fiedler concluded "the benefits this program provides are many including positive participation in the community, healthy lifestyles, team building, intergenerational engagement and building community cohesion.

"It will result in thousands of people from indigenous communities increasing their participation in sport and recreation activities."

For more information go to www.pcyc.org.au/

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