Millions needed to repair community sports

SPORTCLUBS have suffered this season, crippled by 18 months of COVID-19 lockdowns and closures that cut local football and netball seasons short.

Already sporting club participant and volunteer bases have been eroded, while facilities and equipment are left unused and gathering dust, and clubhouses sit empty, underutilised and costing teams a pretty penny.

Adding salt to the wound, this summer’s cricket season is not expected to begin until mid-November, a month and a half later than usual.

Many clubs now face significant financial pressures, and they require additional support to restart in time for the coming summer season and beyond.

Member for Eurora and Deputy Nationals leader, Steph Ryan said, “Community sporting clubs provide so many benefits physically and mentally to our local communities, but they face uncertain futures due to the disruption of yo-yoing in and out of lockdown.”

“Footy and netball clubs in my electorate were getting ready for bumper finals series, functions and presentation nights that would have provided a much-needed financial boost.”

“Our local tennis and bowls clubs are understandably nervous about the season ahead with the social benefits of these clubs so important across such a broad demographic.”

“The financial stress on clubs has been compounded after the 2020 season failed to get off the ground.”