Local community groups should apply for new swimming grants so people with disabilities or from diverse backgrounds to enjoy this great Aussie pastime, Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said.
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Working in partnership with Swimming Australia, the Community Swimming Grants Program allows organisations to apply for grants of up to $10,000. This is part of the Coalition Government's $28.9 million Move It AUS - Participation Grants Program.
"Swimming is a big part of our way of life in the New England - I'm a regular in the pool - and is a great way to stay active and healthy at any age," Mr Joyce said.
"However, some people in our community need a bit of extra support to enjoy the benefits of swimming, particularly if they have a disability, or don't have a strong swimming culture in their family."
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"Access to water supplies has been problematic because of the drought, but fortunately many local councils are pulling out all stops to keep our town swimming pools open, and that should be applauded.
"Despite these desperately dry times, these new Community Swimming Grants will provide a great opportunity for local community groups to share the love of swimming with more people in the New England."
Minister for Youth and Sport Richard Colbeck said the initiative aimed to make swimming as accessible as possible, so more Australians could benefit from sport and physical activity.
"Within this program, grants may be used to subsidise the costs associated with delivering swimming and aquatic activities such as entry fees, lane hire, or membership fees.
"Supporting more Australians to get more active more often is a priority for our Government. We're delighted to work with Swimming Australia to deliver greater access to swimming and aquatics for up to 3200 people through this program.
"The Government has a plan to make Australia the world's most active and healthy nation. To do that, we need to break down the barriers that limit Australians from being more active."
The Move It AUS Participation Grant Program is already delivering 62 projects across the country to provide great new ways to get more Australians moving.
The Coalition Government has also committed $36.1 million for water safety initiatives by trusted organisations including Royal Life Saving Society Australia, AUSTSWIM, and Laurie Lawrence Swimming Enterprises.
For more information and to apply for Swimming Australia's Community Swimming Grants Program, go to swimming.org.au/community-swimming-grants
Who can apply for funding?
Organisations with the capability to provide or facilitate the provision of swimming and aquatics activities (including but not limited to learn to swim, water safety, aquatics fitness or play and competitive swimming programs and activities).
Eligible organisations may include:
- Learn to swim providers
- Aqua fitness providers
- Aquatics facilities
- Swim Clubs
- Other aquatics sport clubs (e.g. Water Polo Clubs etc.)
- Community organisations
- Charity organisations
- Councils
- Schools
- Universities
- State or Territory Sport Organisations
