The Mullumbimby-Brunswick Valley Football Club is set to receive $20,000 in federal funding for female change rooms and showers.
They are one of a number of local clubs that have recently benefited from both federal and state political largesse.
Local MP Justine Elliot (Labor) congratulated the Mullumbimby-Brunswick Valley Football Club on the project, and says the club will contribute $20,000, bringing the total value of the project to $47,641.
She says the club currently has over 100 female players who are unable to use the existing change rooms.
Ms Elliot says, ‘These extensions will benefit the strong female membership of the club as well as visiting teams, female officials, committee members, and future players, and will contribute to a safe and inclusive environment for all female players.
The new facilities at Mullumbimby Brunswick Valley Football Club will also help drive female participation at all levels of the game, with a key focus on increasing female player participation.’
Those interested in joining the club for this year’s season can contact Sharon on [email protected] or 0435 057 463.
State sports program recipients
Meanwhile, state Greens Ballina MP Tamara Smith has announced the successful Byron Shire recipients of the 2018 Local Sports Grants Program.
She said, ‘The Local Sport Grants Program aims to increase regular and ongoing participation opportunities in sport and active recreation’.
A total of $50,000 has been allocated to sporting projects across the Ballina electorate for new equipment, facilities and programs.
Ms Smith says the money will be used to increase participation, upgrade facilities and equipment, and help train coaches and volunteers.
The successful Byron Shire recipients are Bangalow Pony Club ($5,000 for jump course equipment), Bangalow Rugby Club ($9,277 for upgrade of spectator seating), Byron Bay Football Club ($2,000 for a girls’ football development program to increase participation rates and skill levels), and Mullumbimby Swimming Club ($3,000 for backstroke starting wedges at Petria Thomas Pool).
‘Sport is a vital part of the Byron Shire community,’ said Ms Smith.
‘These grants will provide essential funds to our local clubs to help increase participation in sport and active recreation and contribute to improved social, health, and cultural outcomes.
‘I encourage our local sport groups to apply for funding in next year’s grants round. Groups should consider what their needs are to enable them to foster growth within their sport and to contribute to our vibrant and inclusive sporting community,’ Ms Smith said.
She added a total of $4.2 million is awarded to sports and recreation clubs across NSW under the program.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
