Fencing, floodlights and better facilities will be delivered to local sporting grounds. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Eight sporting clubs and organisations in Wollongong will be able to provide better facilities in the hope of attracting more participation with almost $400,000 in grants to support infrastructure upgrades awarded across the LGA.
Cricket, tennis, football and rugby league players from the Illawarra are amongst the sportspeople set to benefit from better infrastructure to be delivered with support from Wollongong City Council’s annual Sports Grant Program.
The $390,658 has been allocated to eight projects, each receiving between $5658 and $100,000, to improve or renew aspects such as floodlights, fencing, court surfaces, equipment, drainage and scoreboards as well as enhance gender neutral changerooms.
“Wollongong is a sport-crazed city and it’s important to us that we can help invest and grow our local grassroots clubs and associations,” Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown said.
More than $1.9 million in funding was requested across 37 applications for this round of grants, with council holding information sessions to help clubs and associations understand the application process and apply.
The applications were then assessed by the Sports and Facilities Reference Group (SFRG) who evaluated and ranked them based on aspects such as strategic alignment, community impact and deliverability.
“We received a lot of interest for this grant program and each application was evaluated in-depth,” Cr Brown said.
“We also wanted to ensure that the successful applicants aligned with our existing strategies like our Sportsgrounds and Sporting Facilities Strategy. We’ll continue to provide support for our growing sporting community and fostering the needs of our active city.”
Successful applicants include Wollongong District Cricket Club, Bulli and District Tennis Association, Balgownie Junior Football Club, Woonona Football Club, Corrimal Cougars Rugby League, Illawarra Sports Stadium, North Dalton Park Regional Sports Centre and Cricket NSW/Cricket Illawarra.
“Most are run by volunteers, which means financial aid goes a long a way,” Cr Brown said.
“From cricket to tennis, football to rugby league, the successful applicants reflect some of the diverse sports and community hubs that are much loved by our residents.
“This grant program recognises the role facilities play and how people experience and access their local sports. Whether it’s juniors or seniors, they make a difference and we want to make sure it’s a positive one.”
The Sports Grant Program has offered opportunities for clubs and associations to apply for grants between $5000 and $100,000 for small and medium-sized infrastructure projects since 2008.
More information on grants and support for local clubs and players is available on the Wollongong City Council website.
