To ensure sport and recreation has a bright future in South Australia, the Marshall Liberal Government is offering more than $4.6 million in funding to support the sector and spark new ideas to get people moving.
Following the successful launch of the Partnerships Program last year, the 2022-2023 round is now open with more than $3.5 million is available (up from $2.3 million in 2021).
A one-off COVID-19 recovery stimulus grant has also been announced, where state sport and recreation organisations have the opportunity to apply for their share in $1.1 million of funding, to help the sector bounce back from the impacts of the pandemic.
Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Corey Wingard said it was a pivotal time to refresh our approach to physical activity in South Australia and these grant programs will provide the support required to do that.
“There’s no doubt sporting communities have done it tough over the past two years and we now need to focus on ways to shift the dial on activity levels to get people moving as COVID-19 restrictions ease,” Minister Wingard said.
“The Partnerships Program aims to bring together sport and recreation stakeholders, government and non-government bodies, and the for-profit and not-for-profit sector, in an effort to build a more active state.
“The stimulus cash boost will also deliver much needed financial relief to state sport and recreation organisations to replace lost revenue (attributed to COVID-19 interruptions) and provide resources to review and address operating, governance and service delivery/competition models to ensure efficiency and sustainability can be achieved.
“There’s never been a better opportunity to set these groups up for the years ahead as our social lives, competition and attendances start to return to pre-COVID-19 levels.”
The Partnerships Program responds to the priorities highlighted within the State Government’s Game On: Getting South Australia moving initiative by encouraging innovation, the use of research and technology and supporting the adaption and evolution of sport and recreation programs, services and approaches.
Applications for the Partnerships Program will be open until midday 13 April 2022.
The COVID-19 recovery stimulus grant is open to 59 state sport and recreation organisations who are the primary body delivering a specific recreation activity or recognised sport and competition in South Australia.
Among the eligible organisations are the South Australian Badminton Association, Archery SA, South Australian Cricket Association (SACA), Netball SA, Bowls SA, Dragonboat SA and Gymnastics SA.
State Sport and Recreation Organisations have already been granted over $2.5 million for 2021-22 to support their sporting cohort and this additional $1.1 million will further assist these organisations in their recovery and sustainability endeavours.
Groups who are eligible to apply for the COVID-19 recovery stimulus grant will be advised by the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing regarding the next steps.
