NORDS WHARF PUBLIC SCHOOL
LOCAL SPORT GRANT PROGRAM
I acknowledge the work of several community groups that are supporting local community projects with grants provided by the Labor Government. Community groups and sporting organisations are at the heart of our community and are powered by volunteers who give up their own time to lodge grant applications, oversee projects and coordinate events. It is always a pleasure to visit and meet with these groups and acknowledge their work in Parliament. Tonight I acknowledge Nords Wharf Public School, Principal Meg Nellands and the team who were successful in securing a grant from the Department of Veterans' Affairs to establish an Anzac memorial garden.
The garden was made possible with the support of the Swansea RSL Club and the Swansea RSL Sub‑Branch. The Anzac memorial garden has not only beautified the front of the school but also serves as a teaching tool and remembrance space for those who have served our country. It was great to join Ms Nellands and the Swansea RSL Sub-Branch at the Swansea Anzac Day service and record a video to commemorate the opening of the garden. The garden will be cherished by students for years to come and become an important part of students learning the importance of Anzac Day. I thank the Department of Veterans' Affairs, the Swansea RSL Club and the Swansea RSL Sub-Branch for supporting the Anzac memorial garden at Nords Wharf Public School.
I acknowledge also the local sporting clubs that have been awarded grants under the Local Sport Grant Program, which provides up to $20,000 to individual clubs and associations, with $50,000 available to each electorate. Across the State, 579 projects were funded in the latest round of the program. In the Swansea electorate, the program provided more than $3,000 to the Northlakes Junior Rugby Union Club for the purchase of new tackle bags and footballs as the club continues to grow. The Pelican Croquet Club received more than $5,000 to purchase a ride-on mower to help maintain the courts and nearby grounds. That will be of great assistance to the club, which relies entirely on volunteers to help maintain the grounds. The Redhead Bowling Club was awarded a $22,000 grant to replace seating and shelter for those watching the action on the greens—it can get vigorous. Club members are very excited about the upgrades to the club.
The Swansea Outrigger Canoe Club received $11,500 for the purchase of an 006-outrigger canoe. The Swansea Outrigger Canoe Club is a growing club with members aged from 23 to 66. Many members are older women. The Valentine Eleebana Cricket Club received $2,000 to upgrade junior cricket equipment and support the development of female cricketers. Lastly, the Valentine Eleebana Football Club was awarded a grant of more than $13,000 to replace lawnmower and brush-cutter equipment to maintain its five fields. This funding is so important to help our local clubs and volunteers provide more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefits of sport and active recreation. I look forward to visiting all the successful applicants and seeing the new equipment and club upgrades in person.
