Seven Motorsport Australia affiliated Queensland clubs have received special funding as part of the second round of the State Government’s COVID SAFE Active Clubs Kickstart program.
The program, which is aimed at supporting non-for-profit grassroots sport and recreation organisations’ continued delivery of sporting opportunities, offered up to $2000 for each successful application.
There were four categories for which the clubs could apply for, including education and training, resources and equipment, operation expenses and COVID related expenses.
One of the recipients in the Douglas Shire Motor Sport Association used the funding for much needed track maintenance after extreme rainfall in the previous six months had made it difficult for them to run events.
“It’s always good to get assistance every so often and with the rain that we have had recently, there has been major problems with our khanacross course due to flooding,” club grant officer Shane North said.
“The funding has been pretty vital to be honest. There has been a lot of damage done to the track as of late and it will be put towards cleaning the drains out, which will help stop the track from getting flooded.
“We have had to cancel a lot of events this year due to the flooding and while the drain cleaning won’t fix everything, it will go a long way in a long-term solution.
“Every little bit helps and we’re very thankful to the State Government for giving us this opportunity.”
The Mazda MX-5 Club Queensland was another club selected for the grant, whose application was in the resources and equipment category.
While their project was not as critical as the Douglas Shire Motor Sports Association’s, the money still helped them purchase first aid kits and communications equipment, which will assist with the club’s social Sunday runs amongst their six chapters.
The club’s general secretary Peter Franklin was grateful the club’s efforts in applying proved to be successful.
“I think it’s great that the clubs are given the opportunity to get some financial assistance, as well as the government helping all types of sport and not just field sports,” Franklin said.
“We were very surprised to get funding honestly, I put the application on a whim and we got it. It was a very easy process and we are very grateful to the Government for their support.
“The reason behind our applications is because our club runs six chapters in Queensland, and we wanted to purchase first aid kits and radios that our chapter leaders can use when they are taking members on one of the many Sunday drives.
“We’re very happy because we don’t have to pay for them from the club fund. The amount that we got is exactly what we need. It worked out very well.”
The seven clubs to receive round two funding
Douglas Shire Motor Sports Association Inc.
Mazda MX-5 Club Of Qld Inc.
Millmerran Auto Club Inc.
Noosa Beach Classic Car Club Inc.
Queensland Motor Racing Officials Association (Inc)
Sunshine Coast Motor Sport Club Inc.
Whitsunday Sporting Car Club Association Incorporated