Photo caption: Narromine Shire Council Mayor Craig Davies and Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton pictured at Narromine Aerodrome, where the NSW Aerobatic Championships will take place next month.

In a boost to local sport and the regional economy, Narromine Shire Council has been awarded an Australian Government grant to stage the NSW State Aerobatic Championships next month.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said Narromine Shire Council will receive $6,500 to host the event as part of the Coalition Government’s Regional Sport Events Fund.

The initiative is supporting regional sport while also helping to boost local economies by attracting more visitors to regional areas to attend sporting events.

“The NSW Aerobatic Championships, to be held from May 12 to 15, will bring the Narromine community together, attract visitors and stimulate the local economy after a challenging few years,” Mr Coulton said.

“Narromine hosts the state championships each year, and this funding will provide a welcome boost to this year’s event.

“Sport helps strengthen the fabric of community across the Parkes electorate and the Coalition Government is committed to helping people reconnect and celebrate through sport.”

Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the program will have wide-ranging benefits for local communities.

“With funding of up to $50,000 available to host regional sporting events, the Australian Government is helping ensure regional communities can bounce back after the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Minister Colbeck said.

“We’ve seen applications for events range from ‘come and try days’ to larger events such as state sporting championships that will engage the broader community and have flow on effects for local businesses.”

All local councils in regional, rural and remote areas across Australia are able to apply for funding to host sporting events. Applications close on 29 April.More information about the Regional Sport Events Fund can be found here.