Grants for sporting infrastructure
I encourage local sporting groups in the Parkes electorate to apply for funding available through a national grant program that will boost community sporting infrastructure.
The $29.7 million Community Sport Infrastructure grant program was recently launched by Federal Sports Minister Bridget McKenzie. This grant program enables sport and community organisations to apply for grants up to $500,000 for 2018-19.
Sporting facilities are vital for inspiring physical activity and health across the Parkes electorate, as well as contributing to community spirit. I know of many sporting groups that would be eligible to apply for funding through this program.
Local sporting groups should consider projects that will help build participation in physical activity, community partnerships and inclusiveness. Such projects might include upgrades to playing surfaces, building or upgrading change rooms or installing improved sport and safety lighting.
These are just some of the ways sporting facilities can be made safer and more appealing. Even the smallest of facility projects can have a big impact on boosting local business, economy and health.
The program will be managed by Sport Australia, the Australian Government’s agency for sport and physical activity. Information on the Community Sport Infrastructure grant program can be found at sportaus.gov.au/grants_and_funding/community_sport_infrastructure_grant_program. Applications will remain open until 14 September.
Sport 2030 – The Coalition Government recently unveiled Sport 2030, a comprehensive plan to reshape the face of Australian sport and build a healthier, more physically active nation. Sport 2030 will help to get more Australians more active, more often, drive sporting excellence and success, safeguard the integrity of sport, and strengthen the sports industry.
Stronger Communities Programme – Round 4
In the 2018-19 Federal Budget, the Coalition Government committed to a fourth round of the Stronger Communities Programme (SCP). Initial funding applications are now open for this funding round, with details further below.
The Stronger Communities Programme Round 4 is designed to deliver social benefits to communities right across Australia. Under this programme, incorporated not-for-profit and local government organisations are invited to apply for funding for projects that will contribute to the long term vibrancy and viability of our local areas.
I encourage eligible organisations in my electorate to complete the preliminary Project Proposal Form, which is available for download via my website. The Project Proposal Form must be returned to my office via email by Monday 20 August 2018.
This programme will fund small capital projects which deliver social benefits, and provides funding of $150,000 to each Federal electorate. The funding available will range between $2,500 and $20,000 per project and must be matched by cash or in-kind funding on at least a dollar for dollar basis.
A local community consultation committee will be established to assist with identifying projects for consideration by the Government. Applications for grant funding will be appraised against the Guidelines and other considerations.
Organisations identified by the community consultation committee will then be invited to complete a formal online application which must be submitted to the Department by 11 October 2018.
The Stronger Communities Programme guidelines and factsheet are now available at – business.gov.au/assistance/stronger-communities-programme.
Supporting veteran mental health
Veterans in rural and remote areas, including the Parkes electorate, will soon have improved access to mental health experts through a new Federal Government initiative.
A new Practitioner Support Service (PSS) will provide expert advice and consultation to doctors and agencies that support and treat veterans with mental health issues. These professionals will now be able to gain access to a panel of highly experienced veteran and military mental health specialists when working with veterans.
I believe this initiative will strengthen the ability of health professionals and ex-service organisations to appropriately support veterans in need.
For example, a GP working with a veteran in a rural or remote setting will be able to get expert specialist advice on how to best treat and support a patient with complex PTSD, pain or other mental health issues.
The service can be accessed by calling 1800 VET777 or through the Phoenix Australia website – phoenixaustralia.org. This is a positive new service for the mental health treatment of veterans and their families.
