Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (right) pictured with Walgett Mayor Jane Keir.

In a boost to local sport and the regional economy, Walgett Shire Council has been awarded an Australian Government grant to host the Walgett Spring Golf Challenge 2022.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said Walgett Shire Council will receive $10,000 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 Walgett Spring Golf Challenge will be a series of competitions held over a six-week period at Walgett’s golf course, culminating in a gala dinner,” Mr Coulton said.

“To be held in November, the challenge will help to bring the Walgett community together, attract visitors and stimulate the local economy after a challenging few years.

“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 had the opportunity to apply for funding to host sporting events.More information about the Regional Sport Events Fund can be found here.