Magazine: Bowls Clubs Tackle the Drought
By Press Release in Bowls on 26th Sep 2008 6:10
A new $600,000 Brumby Government funding package to help regional lawn bowls clubs tackle the drought was launched today in north-west Victoria.
Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino was at Red Cliffs Bowling Club to announce the funding package that provides grants of up to $60,000 to help regional bowls clubs to install synthetic greens.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to ensure all Victorian communities have the facilities they need to encourage healthy, active involvement in sport and recreation,” Mr Merlino said.
“The effects of the drought have required us to think of new ways to keep sport alive in the face of climate change, lawn bowls in particular. Today’s announcement will provide regional communities with more opportunities to enjoy sport – no matter what the weather brings.
“Bowls is such a great participation sport – men, women, young people, seniors and people of all abilities play bowls all around Victoria – and it’s important that we continue to get more people involved in physical activity.”
The funding package is part of the Brumby Government’s $12.9 million Drought Relief for Community Sport Program to reduce the impact of drought on sport and recreation facilities across Victoria.
“Managing the effects of the drought is a challenge for all Victorians. That’s why the Brumby Government has been working in partnership with local councils and their communities to keep sport participation alive and meet the challenges of the drought,” Mr Merlino said.
“Our local sports facilities are vital to the strength and wellbeing of any community and by improving the quality of those facilities we’re encouraging greater participation for all Victorians.”
Mr Merlino said the new funding package represented the Brumby Government’s commitment to provide quality sport and recreation facilities across Victoria.
“We also want to provide more opportunities for people to stay healthy and active, which is what the our $150 million Go for your life campaign is all about – getting more Victorians involved in sport and recreation in their local community,” he said.
He also acknowledged the work of the Royal Victorian Bowls Association and its role in the development of the new funding package.
Regional Councils can make one grant application per municipality with applications closing on Monday, 24 November, 2008. For more information, please call 1300 366 356.
Post your own comment on this article
