Gympie sports clubs score federal funding

Two Gympie sports clubs will receive essential new equipment, with Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien announcing funding today to build a stronger, more vibrant Gympie community.

Mr O’Brien said Gympie Amateur Basketball Association will receive $4,950 and Cooloola Coast Kart Club will receive $9,000 through Round 7 of the Liberal and Nationals Government’s Stronger Communities Programme.

“Gympie Amateur Basketball Association is a growing club with 215 members and often runs multiple matches at different venues in one night, so this funding will allow them to purchase a portable scoreboard to help the Club grow and enable them to compete in a higher level of competition,” Mr O’Brien said.

Gympie Amateur Basketball Association acting president Adam Turner thanked Mr O’Brien for his support.

“Seeing the score live is a vital part of basketball, and because we’re self-funded, grants like these make a massive difference,” Mr Turner said.

Cooloola Coast Kart Club’s grant will be used to upgrade a lighting system at its grounds.

“The Cooloola Coast Kart Club has very popular monthly events with up to 150 entrants from all over south-east Queensland, and the Club’s volunteers do a great job to keep the wheels turning,” Mr O’Brien said.

“This funding will help them replace equipment that has been in use since the Club started in 2006, and ensure competitors, pit crews and spectators are safe.”

Cooloola Coast Kart Club president Brad Wedlock said the Club had been hit hard in the recent floods, and every bit of help was welcome to get the Club back on its feet.

“Our Club is funded through race entries, so without race entries, we have no cash flow, so grants like this are truly appreciated,” Mr Wedlock said.

The funding was provided through Round 7 of the Stronger Communities Programme, which is providing $22.7 million to community organisations in Australia, delivering investment in regional areas, supporting jobs to drive our economic recovery, and ensuring our regions remain great places to live and visit.

“The Coalition Government is continuing to back regional and remote communities, investing in opportunities for them to get ahead and prosper into the future as well as delivering much-needed infrastructure and equipment, and supporting local jobs,” Mr O’Brien said.

Through the Stronger Communities Program, the Government has provided more than $158 million in total for projects for community-building and job-creating projects across Australia.

More information is available at business.gov.au/scp