The funding is a result of their successful application to Armidale Regional Council’s Stronger Communities Grants. The Stronger Communities Fund is a one-off allocation provided by the State Government to Councils that have undertaken mergers in NSW.

Clubs and organisations in Armidale Regional Council local government area have been able to apply for grants of up to $50,000.

Armidale Regional Council Administrator Dr Ian Tiley said the funding has enabled Council to provide support to some of the many valuable groups in the community.

“The Guyra Junior Rugby League Club, an organisation within the New England Group 19 Junior Rugby League competition, caters for all age groups and includes boys and girls,” said Dr Tiley. “The Club is well supported in the community and in turn collaborates with and supports other local clubs and organisations.”

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has welcomed the grant funding for a junior sporting club, saying it will help young players carry on a proud rugby league tradition in Guyra.

“Rugby league in Guyra has been strong and today there’s still a huge interest for junior players for this sporting code,” Mr Marshall said.

“It’s great to see the merger funding going to a small group that maintains a healthy and fit philosophy and a quest for developing recreational activities in a small town.” 

The Guyra Junior Rugby League organisation has been involved with the development of the Guyra Sporting Complex since its construction and has injected its own funds into the facility over the past five years. These contributions have included supporting the erection of an electronic scoreboard, the fitout of the canteen facilities and other minor works.

The storage shed will be shared by Junior Rugby League, Senior League, Rugby Union and Cricket. It will aid the four groups by providing a safe and vermin-proof storage space for equipment.