Disaster Recovery funds to get clubs back in the game

Two more north Queensland sporting clubs will receive a hand to repair outstanding damage after Cyclone Debbie, with the Palaszczuk Government approving funding under level two of the Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program.

Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni said Proserpine Hack and Pony Club and the Whitsunday Sailing Club would both receive funding to help them get back on their feet.

“Queenslanders know how important it is to work together to recover after a huge weather event like Cyclone Debbie,” Mr de Brenni said.

“Most sporting clubs are run by volunteers – local Mums and Dads. And communities in the Whitsundays have had so much to do just to get homes and businesses back to normal after the cyclone.

“But sport and recreation clubs are the lifeblood of most communities, and I believe getting them back up to full strength is also critical to ensuring the community gets back to normal.

“That’s why our Disaster Recovery Program provides grants of up to $20,000 to help replace much needed equipment and repair clubhouses and grounds.”

Mr de Brenni said Proserpine Hack and Pony Club were approved $11,719 to replace a damaged storage container and PA system, while the Whitsunday Sailing Club were approved $4,430 to finish repairs to the club’s pontoon.

“In the immediate aftermath of a disaster like Cyclone Debbie, so much energy is spent on initial recovery efforts like getting people into secure accommodation, and getting local businesses back up and running,” Mr de Brenni said.

“But the recovery work continues for a lot longer than that. So I hope this funding will help give these clubs a bit of a boost to keep the momentum going."

Following these two recent funding grants, eight organisations will have been approved $136,149 under the program’s Level 2 funding category.

In total $998,355 has been provided in Level 1 and Level 2 funding to support organisations affected by Cyclone Debbie.

Mr de Brenni was quick to reassure clubs that assistance would continue to be available for clubs that need it.

“My message to any clubs that are still struggling to get back on their feet is to get in touch with your local Sport and Rec Centre, and get an application in for funding," Mr de Brenni said.

"We’ve got one eye on Cyclone Iris, whilst we keep working to help communities recover from Cyclone Debbie."

Application forms are available from Sport and Recreation Service Centres or at www.qld.gov.au.

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Media contact: Cat Milton 0447 117 132