Two new rounds of funding has opened for sporting clubs seeking state government grants to support and grow their clubs.

Local member Lachlan Millar is urging Gregory clubs to apply before applications close on September 1.

Get Going Clubs provides grants of up to $7,500 to support clubs in growing their membership through “come and try” days and introductory skills development programs.

“Many clubs run these sort of programs in school holidays and it is a really effective way to reach out to new players,” said Mr Millar.

“These grants can also be used to fund training of coaches and referees and umpires and it can also be used to purchase essential equipment for training and playing.”

Mr Millar said the Get Playing Places and Spaces grants aim to increase sports participation by allowing clubs to build new facilities or upgrade their current facilities.

“The maximum grant is $100,000. Applications for both grants close on September 1,” he said.

Mr Millar said sports play a central role in the community life of country towns providing a focus for whole districts.

“I truly believe the reason we see so many country kids going on to contribute at representational and elite levels is because they grow up experiencing sport as a whole of community thing. Our sporting clubs make a major contribution to our social, physical and mental well-being,” he said.

“However, I am keenly aware that our clubs rely on volunteers who have their hands full running the club programs in their own time. Undertaking major fund raising on top of that can be very challenging, especially with our limited pool of local donors.

“It was for these reasons that the LNP introduced the Get in the Game club funding when we were in government and it is pleasing to see the Labor Government has left the program in place.”

To find out further information visit the webpage at www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/getinthegame/