Muswellbrook Shire Council has directed a $60,000 boost to grassroots sport, backing players, volunteers and supporters of 11 local clubs with upgrades to equipment and facilities.
Council voted to fund or part-fund a range of improvements through its Sport and Recreation Capital Grants Program, continuing a long-running commitment to strengthen community sport across the Shire.
Since 2015, Council has allocated over a million dollars in funding through the grant program to ensure local sports clubs remain strong.
Now in its eleventh year, the program continues to deliver for local clubs with $8,656 awarded through Small Capital Grants and $52,492 through Large Capital Grants in this funding round.
Large Capital Grants support major projects that deliver long-term benefits for clubs and the broader community.
Successful projects this year include:
– $30,000 for Muswellbrook Football Club towards tiered grandstand seating and
replacement of damaged seats at Victoria Park.
– $17,000 for Denman Junior and Senior cricket clubs to replace synthetic
practice pitches at Denman Cricket Oval.
– $7,492 for Olympic Park Tennis Club to repaint the clubhouse exterior and
barbecue areas.
Council has also approved $8,656 in Small Capital Grants for lower-cost projects that
improve day-to-day operations, participation and safety.
This round will provide $2,000 for a new electronic board for Muswellbrook Swimming
Club, $2,000 for surface upgrades for Denman Sandy Hollow Junior Rugby League Football Club, and $1,000 towards storage racks for Muswellbrook Junior and Senior Rugby Union Club.
Muswellbrook Mayor Jeff Drayton said this investment recognises the vital role of sporting clubs in the community.
“Sport is part of life in Muswellbrook Shire and so are our local clubs. They rely on volunteers and they’re part of our community. These grants support that commitment and make sure facilities remain safe, accessible and fit for the future,” Mayor Drayton said.
“Every dollar helps our clubs help themselves. It means better facilities, stronger clubs and more opportunity for people to stay healthy and connected in Muswellbrook Shire.”
Applications under the program are assessed in line with Council’s Financial Assistance Policy and Awarding of Grants and Contributions Policy.
Council received 12 applications in a highly competitive funding round. Priority is given to projects that deliver clear community benefit, improve safety, participation or sustainability, demonstrate matched funding, are ready to commence, and represent a
cost-effective investment aligned with Council’s Community Strategic Plan.
Current funding for the program comes from Voluntary Planning Agreements between Council and mining companies, with those funds invested directly back into local sporting clubs and the wider community.
