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NSWRL chief executive David Trodden has thanked the NSW Government for providing Cooma Stallions, Bombala Blue Heelers and the Snowy River Bears with some much-needed funding to ensure the Group 16 clubs can continue to operate this season.
Deputy NSW Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro and local MLC Bronnie Taylor today met with representatives from the clubs to announce $12,000 in funding.
Trodden said the assistance would make a world of difference to local clubs and players that had been affected by last summer’s deadly bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Community sport is such an important part of regional NSW and this funding will give the clubs in the district a major boost,” Trodden said.
“We really appreciate the support from the NSW Government for our sport at a grassroots level.”
Group 16 Rugby League Chairman Allan Wilton thanked Mr Barilaro and Mrs Taylor for their support on behalf of the clubs.
“The Snowy Monaro region has been dealing with the impacts of drought for a number of years,” Wilton said.
“Followed by the horrific bushfires last summer and the pandemic, the financial impact on our local sporting groups simply became too much.
“Sport is an essential part of our local communities, and this grant will ensure that our local clubs will be able to survive well into the future.
Barilaro said last summer’s bushfires coupled with the impacts of COVID-19 had put significant pressure on the local economy, affecting local businesses and resulting in a downturn in employment.
“Repercussions were felt far and wide, and our local sporting groups were not immune,” Barilaro said.
“We know how important sport is in our community and this funding will be provide a much needed helping hand during this challenging time.
“Sport plays an important role in our community, not only encouraging us to look after our health and wellbeing but it brings the community together.
“This money will go directly to ensuring the financial viability of the clubs well into the future, so our players young and old can continue play the game they love.”
