MEMBER for Port Stephens Kate Washington has announced $50,000 in grants for local sporting clubs.

Participants from a vast range of local sports including football, dragon-boating, soccer, bowls and croquet will share the funding.

Ms Washington said she was thrilled to see so many local sporting groups receive much-needed funding.

“Local sporting groups are so important to our community,” Ms Washington said.

“Each and every one of these recipients are hardworking, volunteer-run community organisations, and they all contribute so much to our local health and wellbeing.

“I am so pleased I was able to secure these grants and provide support to these impressive local sporting clubs,” she said.

Nelson Bay Croquet Club received the largest share of funding, with $14,000 to upgrade its outdoor area and construct a new pergola and support its growing membership and visitors.

“Nelson Bay Croquet Club has exploded in popularity in recent years thanks to the hard work of its members.

“This upgrade will not only improve the local club, it will also allow them to host regional competitions, seeing visiting teams travelling and supporting our local businesses as well,” said Ms Washington.

President of Nelson Bay Croquet Club, David Wilson, said the members were delighted by the funding.

“Our club membership has been growing, with a rapid rise after our recent ‘come and try day’. We’re now the fourth-largest club in NSW,” said Mr Wilson.

“We have more than 100 active members who regularly play – meeting new people and keeping engaged in the community.”

“We have four full-sized croquet courts now, and this project will allow us to host regional competitions and visiting teams, as well,” said Mr Wilson.

This year’s recipients of the Local Sport Grant Program are:
● Nelson Bay Croquet Club ($14,000) – Upgrade outdoor area with new pergola;
● Port Stephens Outrigger Canoe Club ($5000) – Host National Titles: Outrigger Canoe Sport;
● Raymond Terrace Bowling Club ($5000) – Purchase representative uniforms;
● Northern Hawks RLFC ($5000) – Purchase mobile electronic scoreboard;
● Greater Port Stephens Dragon Boat Club ($5000) – Recruitment/ Engagement program;
● Myall Park Croquet Club ($5000) – Replace specialist lawn mower;
● Nelson Bay Netball Association ($4000) – Upgrade amenities;
● Port Stephens Netball Association ($1980) – Coaching development course;
● Raymond Terrace Soccer Club ($1975) – Hold recruitment/engagement events;
● Raymond Terrace Soccer Club ($1600) – Coaching development course;
● Salt Ash Pony Club ($1150) – Coaching development course.

By Tara CAMPBELL