Western Downs Regional Council awards grants to organisations, Chinchilla Polocrosse receives $20k ahead of national comp

In a first for the Western Downs, Chinchilla will host the National Polocrosse competition next year, with funding allocated to the regional club in preparation for the massive event. See the full list of grants awarded this round.

Chinchilla Polocrosse Club granted 20k to help host Australian Polocrosse Nationals 2024. Picture: Joe McInally Photography

The Chinchilla Polocrosse Club was just one group that has received funding recently from the Western Downs Regional Council in order to deliver exciting programs and events to the region, ahead of the club hosting a national comp next year.

WDRC spokesperson for Community and Cultural Development, councillor Kaye Maguire said organisations such as the polocrosse club were the backbone of the region.

“Almost $60,000 has been allocated as part of the current grants round to support some fabulous initiatives including Bell, Dalby, Jandowae and Tara Shows, community Christmas celebrations in Chinchilla and Tara, the Australian Polocrosse Nationals and more,” she said.

Among the grants awarded was $20,000 provided to the Chinchilla Polocrosse Club.

Club member and nationals subcommittee member Kelly Mullins said the grant has been a huge support to the club especially in the lead up to the comp which is to be held in June 2024.

Chinchilla Polocrosse player, Lindsey Doolan playing in the 2022 Anzac Test Series at the Warwick Polocrosse Club. Picture: the wife creative.

“The Australian Polocrosse Nationals have never been held in Chinchilla before, so it’s very exciting not just for our club but also for our entire community,” she said.

“We’re expecting thousands of participants and spectators from all around the country to make their way to the Western Downs, so receiving this grant money and knowing that we have the support of Council has been such a huge help to us.”

The grant comes just three months after Polocrosse Australia honoured grassroots club level sport by revealing their 2024 World Cup team at the Chinchilla Polocrosse Carnival.

At the time, Polocrosse Australia President Mick Templeton said there was no better place to have made the announcement.

“You can’t finish what you don’t start, and grassroots Club polocrosse is where the representative polocrosse journey begins,” he said.

Other groups that received funding in the latest round of grants include:

• Bell Show Society - $5000 for the 2024 Bell Show

• Chinchilla Community Commerce and Industry - $5000 for the Chinchilla Community Christmas celebrations

• Dalby and District Show Society - $5000 for the 2024 Dalby and District Show Rodeo

• Jandowae and District Show Society - $5000 (in cash and kind) for the 2024 Jandowae Show

• Reining Australia - $8820 for the Australian Reining Breeders Classic Show

• Tara Futures Group - $5000 for the Tara Community Christmas celebrations

• Tara Pastoral Agricultural and Horticultural Show Society - $5000 for the 2024 Tara Show

Originally published as Western Downs Regional Council awards grants to organisations, Chinchilla Polocrosse receives $20k ahead of national comp