Local Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett has welcomed extra funding for grassroots sporting organisations in the recent State Budget.
Mr Bennett said the commitment from Sport and Recreation Minister Steve Dickson would boost funding for the Get in the Game program to $18 million.
“A local community information session will provide more detailed information on program guidelines, available funding and important dates, how to apply and answering any questions will be held at Bundaberg PCYC at 5pm on Wednesday 10 October 2012,” Mr Bennett said.
“Get in the Game consists of three funding programs; Get Started, Get Going and Get Playing, designed to get more young people playing sport and involved in recreation activities.
“We’re providing more help for Queensland families by reducing the costs of club registrations and funding better equipment and infrastructure.
“This initiative is another way the Newman Government is determined to ease the cost of living burden for Queensland families.”
Mr Dickson said Get Started would provide more than 40,000 vouchers of up to $150 to help with the cost of registration fees for disadvantaged children, or children who would realise social or health benefits from joining a sporting club.
“Get Going will see $10,000 grants paid directly to community clubs to help them grow, through the purchasing of new sporting equipment or promoting new membership initiatives,” he said.
“The Get Playing program will provide $100,000 grants for community sporting clubs to upgrade or replace existing facilities and infrastructure.
“My focus is on promoting greater participation in sport at the grassroots level, by supporting local clubs and organisations.”
Get Going and Get Playing open for applications from October 1 until December 1, 2012. Applications for Get Started will open in January 2013.
Mr Bennett is encouraging local sport and recreation club officials and volunteers to attend the community information sessions to learn how the new programs would benefit their club and community.
For further information please log on to www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/getinthegame or phone 1300 656 191.