Local sports clubs get funding boost
Sporting clubs across the cities of Rockingham and Kwinana will continue to receive support from the Club Development Scheme thanks to an expansion of the initiative.
The scheme — a partnership between the Department of Sport and Recreation and local governments — involves club development officers working with volunteers to improve club procedures.
Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron announced last month the State Government would invest $2.6 million in the next two years to expand the CDO scheme across WA.
Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said the City was entering its seventh year as a part of the scheme, which had benefitted 140 of the City’s sport and recreation clubs.
“The scheme has helped establish strong links with the sport and recreation clubs throughout the City, has supported them in planning for the future by assisting in developing business plans, and has assisted clubs to become more sustainable through providing specialised workshop and training opportunities for club volunteers,” he said.
Cr Sammels said over the next two years funding would go towards providing further support to the Kidsport program, delivering specialised training programs to educate and up-skill club volunteers, and promoting the role of the CDO.
Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams echoed Cr Sammels’ comments and said the City was fortunate to have held a partnership with the department since 2006.
“The City’s CDO plays an essential role as part of our wider healthy lifestyles program, providing a wide range of education workshops and resources,” she said. “A number of clubs have seen a growth in membership numbers due to the efforts of the CDO.”
Cr Adams said the officer had played an integral part in assisting the Kwinana Hockey Club, the Kwinana Rugby Club and the United Junior Soccer Club with funding grants.
Mr Waldron said under the two-year funding arrangement, CDOs would increase from 31 to 38 and local government areas serviced would rise from 43 to 55.
“The scheme will now reach more than 3320 clubs across the State,” he said.
