Sporting events across the Mid North Coast are set to benefit from the Federal Government’s Regional Sport Events Fund.

Now open for applications, the fund will support community sporting events across the region with an aim of kick-starting the economy and encouraging visitors back to the Mid North Coast and regional communities across the country.

The grants will also assist rural and regional communities across New South Wales and Queensland affected by flooding.

Pat Conaghan Federal Member for Cowper said the grant availability would help kick-start local events after the impact of the pandemic.

“The role of sport in our communities can’t be undersold. It’s often the glue that brings people together across our region and beyond, and this program aims to fast-track the recovery of local sport after what’s been a very challenging period for us all,” Mr Conaghan said.

“Sporting clubs and associations play an incredibly important role in Cowper and through this fund, the Australian Government is encouraging our community to come together and celebrate through sport.

“Staging these events will also benefit the Mid North Coast’s small businesses that are the foundation of our local economy.”

More than 400 eligible LGAs across Australia can apply for funding of up to $50,000.

Local government areas are encouraged to work with local sporting clubs and organisations to deliver fantastic sports events to their respective communities.

Events can range from “come and try days” to larger events including elite sporting exhibitions and state level competitions that engage the broader community.

Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the resumption of these events will have wide-ranging benefits for regional and remote communities.

“Community sport has been hit hard right across Australia as a result of the pandemic – but we all understand the power of local competition and the opportunities it presents to bring communities together,” Minister Colbeck said.

“This fund will support many of the events that were cancelled or postponed to resume and encourages local government to be creative in how they re-engage with their local area.”

Applications for the Regional Sport Events Fund are now open.

More details about the program, including the Fund Guidelines and closing dates can be found on Sport Australia’s Grants and Funding page, here.