PORT Stephens Dragon Boat Club are the beneficiaries of a $13,000 grant in the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program.
Based at Soldiers Point Marina and established for seven years, the grant will help the group of paddlers purchase a new dragon boat to support growing participation.
The club is one of seven sporting organisations in the Port Stephens electorate that have shared in $4.49 million following the awarding of grants.
Other local recipients include the Hunter Squash Club, who receive $9000 for facility repairs and upgrades, with $8000 going to Medowie Little Athletics Centre for modern timing equipment to enhance competition and athlete development.
The program provides grants for minor facility upgrades, new equipment and programs that support and encourage participation in sport and active recreation in NSW.
Grants up to $20,000 were available, with up to $50,000 per electorate.
Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington told News Of The Area that “sport plays a vital role in bringing the Port Stephens community together”.
“These grants will help our local clubs purchase important equipment, upgrade facilities and create more opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in sport.
“From a new dragon boat on our waterways to better squash courts in Raymond Terrace, this funding will make a real difference right across Port Stephens.
“I congratulate all the local clubs that secured funding and thank the volunteers who are the backbone of community sport in our region” she added.
Four other local recipients to benefit include the Nelson Bay Pistol Club ($5,750 for construction fit out); Bay Area Boardriders ($4000 for Junior Programs); Hinton Cricket Club ($3,700 for Female Change Rooms and Program) plus the Boat Harbour Recreational Club ($3,648 for equipment upgrade).
These projects highlight the breadth of investment across Port Stephens, supporting both grassroots participation and improved sporting facilities.
By Chris KARAS
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