Give our clubs a sporting chance

Member for Barwon Roy Butler is calling on the NSW Government to provide financial support to community sporting and recreation clubs for fixed expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Sporting and recreation clubs are essential to the social fabric of our communities, but like so many of us they’re struggling to pay the bills at the moment,” said Mr Butler.

“For many clubs, the closure of their particular sporting code due to COVID-19 has substantially reduced their ability to generate income from the games and events associated with a sporting season.

“Drought in our communities has already reduced Club income, with many not in a sound financial operating position, entering into this unexpected pandemic.

“These Clubs have mortgage or rent, rates, utilities, association fees, ground and building maintenance costs rolling in requiring payment - from already depleted bank accounts.

“I’m calling on the NSW Government to provide financial support to our local clubs to allow these fixed expenses to be paid. Our local clubs aren’t eligible for any of the assistance on offer, despite how important these clubs are to our communities.

“The NSW Government must recognise the key role these clubs will have in our social recovery once the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. These sport and recreation clubs will be essential to bringing the community back together.

“In our rural and remote communities, sporting club facilities often fulfill a dual purpose as a Community Hall - we need to keep these facilities in tip top shape so they’re ready post COVID-19.”