Council helps sports clubs get back up and running

Published on 09 October 2020

Rockhampton Regional Council has helped 30 local sporting clubs get back on their feet with a one off grant program providing financial relief to clubs affected by COVID-19.

Mayor Margaret Strelow introduced the Financial Hardship and Assistance Scheme in response to feedback from local sporting and community organisations at the start of the pandemic.

“Our local clubs were hit hard immediately when everything came to halt earlier this year, and it was clear that Council needed to step in to help our clubs survive,” Mayor Strelow said. 

“We know that those clubs form a vital part of our way of life – and help keep our physical and mental health in check - and we wanted to help make sure those organisations could continue to operate.

“Many clubs had small bills outstanding such as electricity bills and minor payments which were bearing heavily on office bearers.

“With no games there was no opportunity for the regular trail of income. It was really important to us that the clubs were able to ‘stand up’ when play resumed.

“I am pleased to share that Council has granted a total of $61,000 in financial assistance to 30 different sporting clubs to help ensure they have every chance at overcoming the financial pressures of COVID.

“Given the strength of our sporting community, the volume of applications from sporting groups came as no surprise and it is wonderful to see that many sports have resumed and are back in action.

 “And while Council was able to contribute financially towards helping local clubs, the volunteers should be commended for all their efforts to make sure our community gets to do what it loves most.”

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