Community grants are a slam dunk

Round one of the 2023 Community Grants funding closes in 7 days. 

Over the last few years, the Emerald Basketball Association has received multiple grants to upgrade the club’s courts, including a community grant in 2021. Let us paint the picture of the newly renovated space. 

The hardwood floors shine, and the fans blast much-needed cool air across the courts. Kids as young as 6 play with top-quality basketballs, backboards, hoops and nets, and their parents can watch from the newly added grandstands tracking the score on the state-of-the-art scoreboard and score benches. 

‘We have a fantastic facility here at the Indoor Sports Complex. We have successfully obtained multiple grants to make this area safe, quality and welcoming for all,’ Emerald Basketball Association President Chris Podolak said. 

Basketball is one of the fastest-growing sports in Australia. Based on recent research, more juniors are picking up a basketball now than a football. 

‘It is really great to see the community get around our sport. Our 2023 season has just started and the numbers continue to grow,’ he continued 

‘It isn’t about getting players to join though, it is about cultivating a community, keeping the players safe and providing a quality facility for our members. 

‘We have rep teams that travel away, and most of the stadiums we go to are not as well equipped or looked after as much as our home court.’ 

One look at the courts on a Thursday club night shows you that it is not just the grants and the growth that drives Emerald Basketball forward, it is the unwavering support from their countless volunteers. 

‘We are lucky to have lots of volunteers, but we are so proud of the players who volunteer their time. Many under-18 and under-16 players coach the younger age groups, referee and/or score. It is a real community feel,’ Chris said. 

‘There is no way we could have fundraised enough to do any of these upgrades. I would recommend that any community group apply for funding. We certainly will again in the future.’ 

This is your final reminder to apply for round one of 2023 Community Grants. Community organisations are encouraged to apply and take advantage of the over $180,000 that is available. 

 Find out more and apply here. 

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