SPORTING clubs in Port Stephens are encouraged to apply for the Local Sport Grant Program to guarantee increased involvement in recreational activities.

Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington, said sport and active recreation delivers many personal and community benefits including developing self-esteem, maintaining health and fitness, nurturing talented athletes and contributing to individual enjoyment of life.

“Investment in local sport and recreational facilities will encourage greater participation in sporting activities and support a stronger and healthier community,” Ms Washington said.

The NSW Government has allocated $50,000 for projects within the Port Stephens electorate and incorporated, not-for-profit sport clubs are eligible to apply.

There are four project types within the Program:

• Sport Development (up to $2,000);
• Community Sport Events (up to $5,000);
• Sport Access (up to $5,000); and
• Facility Development (up to $20,000)

The minimum amount available is $250 for all project types with the exception being for facility development which has a minimum request of $1,000.

Organisations may apply for one project per project type. The maximum available to any one organisation is $25,000 in a financial year. The amount organisations request should reflect the scale of the project.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 11 November, 2016. To access the application form visit www.sportandrecreation.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/localsport

The successful applicants from last year’s grants program are below:

Organisation	Successful funding	Project
Nelson Bay Netball Club Inc	$17,702	Upgrade of court lighting at Nelson Bay Netball Courts.
Karuah Rugby League Football Club	$17,703	Installation of seating, field fencing and construction of a concrete stairway to clubhouse at Lionel Morten Oval
Nelson Bay Australian Football Club Inc	$7,000	Upgrade of toilets and change rooms at Dick Burwell Oval.
Raymond Terrace Athletics Centre	$5,000	Construction of three permanent shade structures at Vi Barnett Field
Raymond Terrace Athletics Centre	$900	Competition transport to Sydney
Myall Coast Little Athletics Centre	$1,695	Purchase of a storage container for equipment at Myall Park Complex