INVERELL Sporting Complex was one of 37 organisations across New South Wales to receive funding for upgrades to community facilities under the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants Program.

Inverell Shire Council received $73,349 to upgrade field lighting at the local sports complex on Eucalypt Drive.

The complex houses hockey and touch fields, football and soccer fields, cricket oval and sealed netball courts.

About eight years ago, Inverell Shire Council installed field lighting to ‘match standard’, underground irrigation grandstand seating for 400 spectators, security fencing and a new clubhouse with disabled facilities.

The Infrastructure Grants Program is made possible by ClubGrants Category 3, a fund which directs profits from registered clubs’ gaming machines into community projects, while clubs receive a tax concession in return.

Field lighting at Inverell Sporting Complex will be upgraded thanks to funding from ClubGrants Category 3 (Image: Greg Kachel).

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris congratulated all recipients.

“It’s so pleasing to see this round of Infrastructure Grants go to a large number of worthy groups who are working hard for their communities in such a variety of ways across the state,” Mr Harris said.

“ClubGrants Category 3 improves large community infrastructure projects that bring people together, helps them prepare for and recover from disasters, and promotes participation in sport, recreation and the arts.

“It’s particularly pleasing to see there was a big boost in the number of arts and culture applications this financial year, resulting in $1.6 million being delivered to 13 community organisations including Outback Arts and the Young People Theatre Newcastle this round.

“I am also pleased to see two community groups – the Trangie Local Aboriginal Land Council and Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Limited – projects that specifically address Closing The Gap targets.

“Congratulations to all the successful applicants, I look forward to seeing your completed infrastructure works and the impacts they have on your local communities.”

The Inverell Sporting Complex clubhouse was built as part of a major redevelopment about eight years ago (Image: Greg Kachel).