Eligible sporting clubs and non-profit sporting groups are encouraged to apply for COVID-19 relief assistance from Bundaberg Regional Council.
Grants of up to $5000 will help cover costs for ground maintenance, electricity and gas bills, insurance, hygiene stations, cleaning and volunteer engagement.
Bundaberg Region Mayor, Jack Dempsey, said the program would provide assistance to local sporting organisations struggling financially after the pandemic.
“The grassroots sports community has come under significant financial stress as a result of coronavirus restrictions, and that impact could continue even after restrictions are eased,” Mayor Dempsey said.
Bundaberg Regional Council Sport and Recreation portfolio spokesperson, Vince Haberman encouraged sporting groups to take advantage of the grants.
“The Community Sport Support Grant aims to provide financial assistance of up to $5000 to those sporting communities who are experiencing financial hardships as a result of coronavirus or are seeking to establish alternate business models for their survival and continuity,” said Cr Haberman
“The program is providing a maximum pool of $200,000 and once this is exhausted, the program will be closed, so I encourage eligible organisations to apply as soon as possible.”
Gin Gin Bowls Club treasurer Gail Stallan welcomed the news and said the Gin Gin Bowls Club had applied for the grant.
Ms Stallan explained that although the club had gone into hibernation from 23 March, there were still many associated ongoing costs.
“Usually, by now, we’ve had at least four major funding event days which are major money raisers for us, along with a barbecue night every third Friday of the month,” Ms Stallan said.
“We get a fair bit of support for other businesses around the community and network at those events, but obviously they can’t be run at the moment.”
“There’s no income whatsoever and we’re very fortunate we’ve got the Jobkeeper allowance to keep our one employee who is the groundskeeper in the job.
“While we may have been closed you’ve still got telephone bills, electricity, and maintenance and then there’s also insurance costs, which will still come in at the end of the year.
“These grants are going to allow us to meet these small bills, and any assistance we can get will be very helpful.”
The Community Sport Support Program will provide financial assistance to eligible community sporting organisations though the following categories:
- Financial Assistance: to remain viable during the COVID-19 crisis as a result of loss of income.
- Event Cancellation: financial hardship as a result of being unable to reclaim outlaid costs for an event or project that has had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 crisis.
- Recovery: projects that assist organisations to develop alternate service delivery models (Return to Sport).
Applications opened on 1 July 2020 and close at 5pm on Friday 14 August 2020. In the event that all funds have been committed, the close will occur earlier than 14 August.
Applications must be lodged online and for guidelines, and to apply, visit here.
Direct enquiries to Council’s Sport and Recreation Section on 1300 883 699 or email sportandrec@bundaberg.qld.gov.au.
