Morningside Panthers community day

Minister for Recreation and Sport Steve Dickson is encouraging families to get involved in the Morningside Panthers AFL Club Australia Day events this Saturday.

The Newman Government is providing $8,000 funding to encourage community members to get involved in their local sporting clubs, as part of a key election promise to get more children and young people involved in sport and recreation.

Mr Dickson said there would be a number of sporting activities on the day, catering for all ages, including AFL and Rugby demonstrations.

“This is a great community initiative by the Morningside Panthers and we’re delighted to be able to support their goal to encourage more people to join a local sport or active recreation club,” Mr Dickson said.

“This is a fantastic family activity for Australia Day so I encourage everyone to get involved and explore the sporting options in your local area.

“I also urge everyone to keep an eye out for round three of the Queensland Government’s Get Started program in early 2014, which helps children and young people who can least afford it or may otherwise benefit from joining a sport or recreation club.”

Mr Dickson said initiatives such as this helped to encourage more of Queensland’s youth to get involved in sport, recreation and physical activity.

“We believe participation and success begin with a strong focus on grassroots sport and recreation,” he said.

“It is the reason the Newman Government made the Get in the Game initiative such a key election promise – and we are delivering.

“Through three funding programs—Get Started, Get Going and Get Playing—worth $47.8 million, Get in the Game is providing clubs with better equipment and facilities and giving children who might not otherwise be able to afford it the opportunity to play sport.”

[ENDS] 24 January 2013

Media Contact: Johanna deWinter 0410 513 922