Grants provide big boost to local league clubs

A TOTAL of 17 clubs across Toowoomba and the Downs have been the recipients of key government funding.

IN THE MONEY: Brothers juniors are one of a number of local clubs that received a government grant. Picture: File

RUGBY LEAGUE: Clubs across Toowoomba and the Darling Downs have received a huge boost in the midst of one of the most challenging periods they’ve endured.

The latest round of Active Club Grants for sporting clubs has been announced, with teams in the Toowoomba Junior Rugby League, Toowoomba Rugby League and Warwick and District Junior League competitions the big beneficiaries.

A total of 17 clubs were handed grants of up to $2000, as well as the league bodies of all three competitions, and the Western Mustangs receiving help as well.

QRL Toowoomba, Warwick and District operations manager Jackie Stephson said the funding would go a long way to ensuring the viability of clubs in the short and long term.

“It’s a real boost for clubs,” Stephson said.

“It was a really easy process for them to apply. We’ve encouraged clubs to do it and they’ve jumped on it.

“The $2000 goes a long way. It doesn’t sound like much but it helps out a lot.
“Especially now they’ve said it could be used in different ways to assist clubs to keep afloat if need be. Initially it was to be used for certain areas, but they’re going to relax that a bit.

“These grants could make a difference in getting something done or something that is halfway there.”

Stephson said financial security has been a big focus of the waiting game while clubs and the league wait for the commencement of the season.

“We asked clubs when it first started to look at their finances and make sure they were okay,” she said.

“The majority of clubs did, but some had overheads that aren’t there at others with their own grounds and such.

“Some clubs have been having fundraisers and they seem to be working out well.

“In the short term we’re all still at the mercy of everything that is going on. At the moment June 1 is when we can go back for training.”

Brothers is a club that was successful in receiving grants for both the seniors and juniors, and senior president Pat Johnson said the money would come in very handy at a time of need.

“We’ll look at buying training gear and some medical equipment with the grant,” Johnson said.

“It saves clubs from diving into their own pockets, and the way the environment is at the moment, it is much appreciated.

“Money can be hard to come buy, and we’re not sure how we’ll repay sponsors, but in times like this, every cent counts.”

Junior president Garth Perkins said the grant would go towards buying a vital piece of equipment.

“The money will be used to by a defibrillator,” Perkins said.

“It’s something we’ve been talking about for a few years, and they’re becoming more common at grounds.

“They can save lives and that is what they are all about.”

Active Club Grant recipients: Brothers (juniors), Brothers (seniors), Pittsworth (juniors), Pittsworth (seniors), Oakey (seniors), Highfields (juniors), Newtown, Dalby (seniors), Collegians Warwick, Eastern Suburbs Warwick, Gatton (juniors), Gatton (seniors), Goondiwindi (juniors), Southern Suburbs (juniors), Valleys (juniors), Valleys (seniors), Western Mustangs, TRL, TJRL, Warwick and District JRL

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