Western Australian Government offers funding for sporting and recreational events

WA Sport and Recreation Events Funding Program 2023

The Western Australian Government has released details on a financial support program to assist sport and active recreation organisations within the state, in hopes of strengthening and diversifying the sporting and physical activity options for WA and increase participation.

The Sport and Recreation Events Funding Program looks at bolstering the arts, culture, sports, and Indigenous Australian attractions of the state to a global audience.

Grants up to $50,000 are available, with 3 distinct categories on offer:

  1. Event Projects: Funding support for specific sports and recreation projects. Funding of up to $15,000 is available
  2. Event Hosting: Assistance for organisations hosting sports events. Funding up to $50,000 is available.
  3. Country Sport Enrichment Scheme: Focusing on enhancing sports opportunities in regional areas. Funding up to $30,000 is available.

The WA Government is encouraging all groups that qualify to apply, to do so in order to grow the sporting sector of Western Australia. All levels of sporting organisations from local to national are viable to apply, as well as national league clubs, community and recreation organisations, and any other sport clubs.

To be eligible, organisations must have the following:

  • Possess an Australian Business Number (ABN)
  • Hold sufficient insurance cover during the entirety of the grant period (this needs to be provided in application). Public Liability Insurance needs to be set at a minimum of $10 million per claim.
  • The state or national body (if this applies to your organisation) must provide evidence of support of the event being conducted in Western Australia.
  • Compliance with all relevant COVID-19 regulations and safeguards.
  • Be incorporated under the Associations Incorporations Act 2015 (WA) or a company limited by guarantee under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) or a registered local government entity in Western Australia.

For projects to be completed between January and June 2024, applications close at 5pm AWST on Monday, October 16, 2023.

A second round of funding is available for projects for July-December 2024. These will open January 29 next year 9am AWST, and closes February 26 at 5pm AWST, 2024.

It is essential that all applicants read and understand the Sport and Recreation Events Funding Program guidelines prior to submitting an application.

Click here for more information.

F.S. Garside Park unveiled after multi-million transformation

F.S. Garside Park has completed its transformation into a multi-purpose facility, after receiving $17 million in funding from the NSW Government.

The park had to be closed in 2019 to remediate the site after finding contaminated soil and therefore allow construction work to occur as part of this project.

This was also the home of Football NSW League Two Men’s side Granville Rage.

Out of the $17 million the NSW Government funded to remediate and upgrade F.S. Garside Park:

  • $12 million came from the Parramatta Road Urban Amenity Improvement Program (PRUAIP)
  • $5 million came from the NSW Government’s Accelerated Infrastructure Fund

The popular North Granville Park has also introduced new facilities to the area such as:

  • A semi-professional level soccer field and grandstand suitable to hold ticketed sporting events
  • Multi-use sports court with lighting, seating, shelter and a drinking station
  • District-sized playground with nature play climbing structures, flying fox, swings and play tower
  • Picnic facilities and BBQs
  • BMX pump track
  • Fitness equipment

Ms Gail Connoly PSM, City of Parramatta chief executive, said it marks a new era for the North Granville community:

“This park is for everyone – it’s a new chapter for F.S. Garside and we’re excited to see it fully restored for a new generation of young families and people to enjoy,” she said in a media release.

“This project is the benchmark for site remediation – righting the wrongs of the past and creating a vibrant space that is safe to explore.”

Paul Scully, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, said regarding the reopening of F.S. Garside Park:

“This former landfill site has been transformed with more than 15,600 tonnes of contaminated soil removed to create an outstanding facility to be enjoyed by the broader North Granville community for generations to come,” Minister Scully said in a media release.

“The new public open spaces will make sure F.S. Garside Park becomes the local centrepiece for community sport and a place for families to come together to enjoy the outdoors.”

Football NSW also commented about the return of F.S. Garside Park into the football community:

“Football NSW looks forward to welcoming the historic venue back into the fold,” they said in a media release.

“Following on from this year’s wet season that we’ve recently experienced, a brand-new facility with a quality surface, drainage and irrigation is welcomed by football.

“Facilities of this nature will assist in reducing the number of games washed out in the future such is the positive impact the recent refurb to F.S. Garside will have on the football community.”

F.S. Garside Park’s sporting field will remain closed as the grass establishes roots and is expected to open to the public in late 2024.

Football Queensland reveals top hosts for the Football Convention

Football Queensland is introducing four nationally recognised hosts for the inaugural Queensland Football Convention, led by top football journalist Vince Rugari, with co-hosts Daniel Garb, Heather Garriock, and Amy Chapman.

The statewide convention, themed ‘Elevate the Debate,’ will bring together clubs, coaches, referees, and football enthusiasts from across Queensland to discuss key issues shaping the future of the sport on Saturday, 2 November, and Sunday, 3 November 2024, at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Vince Rugari, the author of Angeball: The Definitive Biography of Ange Postecoglou, is celebrated for his detailed coverage of major events like the FIFA World Cups, Asian Cups, and A-League Grand Finals. His insightful reporting has been featured in prominent outlets such as The Guardian, Australian Associated Press, Stan Sport, and The Sydney Morning Herald.

Daniel Garb, a seasoned football presenter and reporter with over 20 years of experience covering national teams, domestic leagues, and international matches in Australia, will join Vince at the inaugural convention.

Heather Garriock, a revered Matilda and member of the Football Australia Hall of Fame, brings over 25 years of experience, including playing in three FIFA Women’s World Cups and two Olympic Games. She currently serves as a Football Australia Board Member and Vice President of Football Coaches Australia.

Amy Chapman, a former Matilda and Westfield W-League player, is recognised for her extensive commentary and analysis with Optus Sport, FIFA, Channel 10, and Channel 7. She has also made significant contributions to football by negotiating the W-League Collective Bargaining Agreement and leading player support initiatives.

“We are excited to welcome Vince as our host, and Daniel, Heather and Amy as co-hosts of the inaugural Queensland Football Convention and are confident that their expertise and unique perspectives will be crucial as we address key themes including Growth, Sustainability, and Technology within the game,” Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci said via press release.

“Their diverse backgrounds and experiences in the sporting world will help guide discussions as we strive to harness the excitement and growth surrounding the game in recent years and use that momentum to build a promising future for football both within the state and across the country.

“The two-day convention will serve as a crucial forum for innovative dialogue and collaborative exploration, offering attendees the chance to engage in transformative discussions, discover innovative solutions, and partake in interactive and insightful sessions.

“With a comprehensive agenda that includes exploring governance and administration structures, sustainable club models, and the role of technology in football, the Queensland Football Convention promises to be an essential event for anyone eager to be at the forefront of our game’s evolution.”

Alongside two days of convention sessions, the Queensland Football Convention will feature a cocktail networking event at the Brisbane Roar Men’s home opener at Suncorp Stadium and the football in Queensland Awards Night at Brisbane City Hall.

Click here to get additional information on the Queensland Football Convention.

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