Queensland Government announces $9.2 million for Indigenous sport and recreation program

Sport and recreation activities at Woorabinda Aboriginal Community in central Queensland have a secure future as a result of renewed Queensland Government funding commitment.

Queensland Sport and Racing Minister Bill Byrne has announced funding of $9.2 million for the Indigenous Community Sport and Recreation Program for the period from 1st July through to the end of 2017.

Woorabinda is one of 38 Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities across the state assisted through the program, with activities delivered by the Queensland Police and Citizens Youth Welfare Association.

Minister Byrne said the program had achieved excellent results in engaging Indigenous communities in sport and recreation, stating "over the last two years there have been more than 700,000 occasions where participants have been engaged in an activity organised through the program, either during a season or over a period of several weeks.

“More than 7800 community volunteers have given up their time and effort to help deliver the program, ranging from coaching through to field management.

“It is programs like these that would not be able to go ahead without the many volunteers who take time out of their day to coach and assist in ensuring the programs go ahead. I am extremely thankful to all of those people.”

The Indigenous Sport and Recreation program employs 46 staff who deliver activities and events that are developed in response to community needs as identified by a local sport and recreation reference group.

Minister Byrne added "in Woorabinda, the program involves a range of sporting activities, including cricket, swimming, basketball, netball, AFL and rugby league, a full-time coordinator and more than 30 community volunteers.

“Sport and recreation has proven to have a positive impact on people’s wellbeing, and that’s particularly the case in our Indigenous communities.

“The skills learnt through sport and physical activities are transferrable to all areas of life, such as teamwork, problem solving, and taking personal responsibility for decisions made.

“It also contributes to improved child protection outcomes and reduced levels of substance abuse, truancy, juvenile crime and family violence.”

For more information on the Indigenous Community Sport and Recreation Program visit www.npsr.qld.gov.au

Woorabinda Warriors image courtesy of EPIC Employment Service.

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