TWO local sporting clubs are thrilled to get funding for new infrastructure thanks to the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Programme, Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said today.
The West Cairns Bowls Club will soon be generating their own electricity, after receiving a grant of $18,180 to install solar panels on the roof of the club house.
Further north, the Clifton Beach Tennis Club will use a $7,926 grant to replace its 10-year-old drinks cooler and fridge/freezer and erect a shade sail adjacent to the club house.
“My congratulations to both these clubs, it’s a big achievement because in order to get the grant, they’ve made a matching contribution either through their own funds or through third-party support,” Mr Entsch said.
“Local sporting groups like these play such an important role in our community and often a small grant like this can make a huge difference in their ability to carry out coaching activities and competitions.”
Bob Allen, President of the West Cairns Bowls Club, said the grant would be a huge benefit to club members, and the other not-for-profit groups who use the club’s facilities.
“As a result of the roof collapse over our bowling greens in 2006, we were unable to provide recreational facilities at the club for five years,” said Mr Allen.
“We’ve been rebuilding our support base since then and invited groups such as the Endeavour Foundation, Cairns Fishing Club, United Cricket Club and the Asthma Foundation to make our facility their home as well.
“By installing solar, we will be able to keep improving the club from the savings we make on electricity, for the benefit of our members and the immediate community.”
John Collings, Treasurer of the Clifton Beach Tennis Club, said the replacement of the drinks cabinet and fridge/freezer in the clubhouse kitchen was long overdue.
“The new equipment will reduce our running costs and also meet the increased needs of our kids’ coaching groups and adult members, and also accommodate other visiting clubs by being able to provide sports drinks, water and BBQ food on competition days,” he said.
“Also, the installation of a Cancer Council-approved shade sail next to the club house will improve comfort for players and spectators by reducing the amount of direct sunlight and heat in the common area.”
The Australian Government, in the 2015-16 Budget, provided $45 million over two years to fund small capital projects (between $5,000 and $20,000) in each of the 150 federal electorates.
Mr Entsch worked closely with Building Active Connected Communities (BaCC) during the grant assessment process. BaCC is an initiative of the Bendigo Bank and provides financial support for small projects in the community.
“I’d like to thank panel members who provided their time and expertise to assess and prioritise the projects that were then submitted to the Department of Infrastructure for approval,” Mr Entsch said.
“With their assistance, we’ve been able to allocate $300,000 over the last two years to council- and community group-driven projects in Leichhardt, which will have a real and lasting benefit for local people.”
Find out more about BaCC at http://www.baccfnq.com.au/about-us/bacc
