Sport NSW Welcomes Major Budget Boost for Sport
Published Tue 20 Jun 2017
Sport NSW Chief Executive Officer, Darren Simpson, today welcomed the NSW Government’s major boost to sport in NSW, with budget initiatives which deliver tangible benefits to community and grassroots sport.
“This is a record allocation to sport in NSW highlighted by the $207m ‘Active Kids Rebate’ sporting voucher program,” Mr Simpson said.
“Sport NSW have been calling on the NSW Government to introduce a voucher scheme so that more children can enjoy the benefits that organised sport can provide.
“The $100 rebate per school aged child is a true game changer.
“Families will be able to use the rebate for sporting registration and swimming fees.
“Sport NSW looks forward to working with the Office of Sport to assist in finalising this program before launch on 1 January 2018.”
The budget has also allocated $4 million over four years for the rollout of defibrillators at sports clubs.
“Funding to allow the provision of 2,500 defibrillators at sporting facilities across the state is welcomed,” said Mr Simpson.
“As we know sport is accessible to all age groups and this program will assist in keeping more people alive as they can be treated faster than emergency services can respond.”
Sport NSW, along with its member Sports and Councils, have been working with the Office of Sport in the early planning and consultation phase for the Modernise and Optimise Regional Sport Initiative.
“Allocating $2 million to the Modernise and Optimise Regional Sport Initiative means the Government has put their money where their mouth is and have backed up this program with funding to take it to the next step.
“Sport NSW looks forward to continuing to work with Minister Ayres and the Office of Sport on this important project which will modernise the way sport and active recreation is delivered throughout the state.
“Finally, the allocation of $2.4 million to replace electronic targets at the Sydney Shooting Centre will restore that facility to be able to host competitions like it did in the wake of the 2000 Olympics,” Mr Simpson concluded.