Sporting events across Cairns and Far North Queensland are set to benefit from the Morrison Government’s Regional Sport Events Fund.
The fund will support community sporting events across the region with an aim of kick-starting the economy and encouraging visitors back to Cairns and Far North Queensland.
More than 400 eligible LGAs across Australia, including those across Far North Queensland, can apply for funding.
There are two funding streams are available under the program
Stream 1 – Grants between $1000 and $10,000 to support small community sporting events in Very Remote, Remote, Outer Regional and Inner Regional areas.
Stream 2 – Grants between $15,000 and $50,000 to support large regional sporting events in Very Remote, Remote, Outer Regional and Inner Regional areas.
Events can range from “come and try days” to larger events including elite sporting exhibitions and state level competitions that engage the broader community.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the grant availability would help kick-start local events after the impact of the pandemic.
He urged local governments to work with local sporting clubs and organisations to deliver fantastic sports events to their respective communities.
“Sport is often the glue that brings people together across Cairns and Far North Queensland and this program aims to fast-track the recovery from what’s been a very challenging period for region,” Mr Entsch said.
“Local sporting clubs and associations play an incredibly important role in Cairns and Far North Queensland and through this fund, the Australian Government is encouraging our community to come together and celebrate through sport.
“Staging these events will also benefit the Cairns and Far North Queensland small businesses that are central our local economy.”
Federal Sport Minister Richard Colbeck said the resumption of these events will have wide-ranging benefits for regional and remote communities.
“Community sport has been hit hard right across Australia as a result of the pandemic – but we all understand the power of local competition and the opportunities it presents to bring communities together,” Mr Colbeck said.
“This fund will support many of the events that were cancelled or postponed and encourages local government to be creative in how they re-engage with their local area.”
Applications for the Regional Sport Events Fund are now open.
More details about the program, including the Fund Guidelines and closing dates, can be found here www.sportaus.gov.au/grants_and_funding/regional-sport-events-fund