Queensland Government helps families return to sport

The return to sport by Queensland families impacted by COVID-19 is being assisted by the State Government’s release of a new round of $150 Fair Play vouchers.

The special COVID-19 round opens after more than 4,000 clubs received COVID SAFE Active Clubs Kickstart funding of $2,000 which closed last week.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the new round was timed to coincide with the resumption of full contact community sport adding “we know the devastating impact of this worldwide pandemic. But we also know the benefits of playing sport.

“These vouchers not only help struggling families but also provide a mini-stimulus for the economy.

“It’s all part of our plan to help the economy recover and get life back to normal as much as possible.”

Queensland Sport Minister Mick de Brenni said the bank balance was looking a bit different for some mums and dads now, but the State Government won’t let disadvantaged kids and their clubs miss out.

“I can’t thank enough the Queensland volunteers running local clubs who’ve been superb in operating under COVID Safe requirements to keep their players and members safe throughout Stages 1 and 2 of our Roadmap to easing restrictions.

“It’s because of their great effort that we will now see the return of competition, including community AFL, with over 12,000 kids ready and raring to pick up the Sherrin.”

AFL Queensland Chief Executive Dean Warren is thrilled to see footy back and enthused “It is a wonderful result to see games kicking off again on 10th July.

“It is a true testament to the resilience and optimism of our clubs, officials and volunteers, who have done a tremendous job managing this challenging time, getting players back on the fields.

“AFL Queensland has been focused on ensuring we are providing a safe and well-prepared environment for our players to return. All of our clubs have been incredibly well organised and responsive to the protocols required to get our game back safely.

Minister de Brenni said there were more than 4,500 clubs registered to receive the 73,000 FairPlay vouchers on offer.

The Active Restart Infrastructure Recovery Fund will open in the next few weeks to further support the economic recovery of clubs with up to $20,000 toward infrastructure projects.

For more information, please visit www.qld.gov.au/fairplayvouchers