Our city is currently in the midst of the winter finals season and it’s a wonderful time of year. No matter what sport you play or follow, there’s a sense of excitement.
When my teenage son made his first grand final, his team lost by a single point right at the death. I kept telling him that it is a very good thing to lose a grand final before you win one. That way, when you do win, you know how bad the other guys feel. It makes you appreciate the win even more.
That great feeling of being part of something.
I was lucky enough to play in three grand finals during my rugby days. While my teams weren’t overly successful, I wouldn’t trade my time in rugby for anything. To have mates, to be part of a team, to win and lose, to be on the bus and in on the games, is a great thing. It’s all about participation — being part of something.
Encouraging participation is one of the most important things we as a community can do. That sense of belonging and taking part stays with you forever and is something that continues well into your later years.
Supporting participation is a focus of this government, with the Stronger Communities Programme grants currently open to promote sport and physical participation in our community.
These grants are between $5,000 and $20,000 and are available to fund capital projects at local clubs, like scoreboards, seating, canteen fit-outs, amenities, equipment and lighting.
This programme is a great chance for Townsville’s sporting clubs and groups to update or modernise their facilities, which support so many of our local families and community members who take part in sport and physical activities.
The sense of belonging stays with you forever.
If you want to find out more, please send me an email to [email protected]. I’d be more than happy to send you some more details about this programme, which closes Wednesday, October 7.
For more information about the grants see here: www.infrastructure.gov.au/scp.
