To make community sport more accessible and inclusive, the WA State Government has invested $10 million into public schools and sporting clubs across WA.
The Community Use of School Sporting Facilities (CUSSF) Program was designed to encourage partnerships and agreements between local schools and sporting groups to make better use of existing facilities.
The funding, announced in December last year, will help cover the costs of facility upgrades including courts, ovals and sporting halls.
Sport and recreation minister Rita Saffioti said she wanted to make sporting activities more inclusive by providing more opportunities.
“The WA Government is determined to make sport and recreational activities more accessible to all Western Australians by strengthening the ties between schools and sporting clubs through this program,” she said.
“The CUSSF Program is an investment by the WA Government – an investment in community sports, an investment in education, and an investment in our kids.
“We’re proud to be supporting local schools and sports clubs across Western Australia, and these upgrades will ensure our communities are set up for sporting success in the future.”
The increased access to school sporting facilities outside of regular school hours allows for a greater sense of community connection and encourages participation in local sports.
Education minister Sabine Winton said the investment will strengthen the community.
“Whether it’s a weekend netball match or after-school football training, school grounds are where memories are made and friendships are formed,” she said.
“By investing in shared school facilities, we’re strengthening not just our education system but the fabric of our communities.
“This funding deepens the relationship between schools and sporting clubs and supports the kind of connected communities we all want to see.”
The State Government wants to increase investment in community sport and recreation infrastructure by 2030, with an additional $1.5 million in grants being contributed to multiple schools for the purchase of equipment.
The CUSSF Program was developed in collaboration with the Department of Education and the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport to build stronger relationships and a more active community in grassroots sports.
The first round of grants have been allocated, with Southern Grove Primary School hosting Bletchley Park Netball Club in the City of Gosnells receiving funding for security lighting, and Rossmoyne Senior High School partnered with the South Shore Swimming Club in the City of Canning being supported for new pool lighting.
