Queensland sport and recreation clubs to share $1.8 million funding

Round two of the Queensland Government’s $2000 COVIDSafe Active Clubs Kickstart program will see Queensland sport and recreation clubs share in $1.8 million funding.  

In the Rockhampton region, 19 clubs have received $2000 grants including Gracemere Junior Rugby League, for which $2000 will help make the club COVID compliant with signage and will also help with the ongoing cost of face protection masks and hand sanitiser.

Gracemere Junior Rugby League President Matt Bethel said without the support of the Active Clubs Kickstart program the club would have faced difficulty.

Bethel notes “our current funds have been depleted through the cancellation of junior sport during the COVID period.

“This support has the club back helping young people and families of the Gracemere area to come along and enjoy the sport of rugby league including all the introduction programs, weekly training and competitions.

“It helps promote social inclusion within a healthy and happy environment.”    

Queensland Minister for Sport Stirling Hinchliffe advised “we’ve made the clubs that weren’t successful last year a priority for funding.

“The $2000 can be used for equipment like bats, balls, racquets and helmets or operational expenses like electricity bills, ground maintenance, cleaning products and COVID signage.

“Alternatively, the grant might help with developing COVIDSafe event plans, providing coaching, accreditation or financial management training.”

Minister Hinchliffe said in this round 900 Queensland Sport and Recreation Clubs had shared in $1.8 million and added “this investment boosts the capability of clubs and volunteers so they can provide the best possible experience for members.”

The Active Clubs Kickstart program is part of the $51.3 million COVIDSafe Restart Plan which has supported the sport and active recreation industry through the global pandemic.

Last year, 3830 organisations across Queensland received $2000.