Sporting clubs in Maitland are encouraged to apply for the Local Sport Grant Program to guarantee increased involvement in recreational activities.

Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison, said sport and active recreation delivers many personal and community benefits including developing self-esteem, maintaining health and fitness, nurturing talented athletes and contributing to individual enjoyment of life.

“Providing modern and functional sport and recreation facilities will encourage more local residents to get active and improve their health and wellbeing” Ms Aitchison said.

The NSW Government has allocated $50,000 for projects within the Maitland electorate and incorporated, not-for-profit sport clubs are eligible to apply.

There are four project types within the Program:

• Sport Development (up to $2,000);

• Community Sport Events (up to $5,000);

• Sport Access (up to $5,000); and

• Facility Development (up to $20,000)

The minimum amount available is $250 for all project types with the exception being for facility development which has a minimum request of $1,000.

Organisations may apply for one project per project type. The maximum available to any one organisation is $25,000 in a financial year. The amount organisations request should reflect the scale of the project.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 11 November, 2016. To access the application form visit www.sportandrecreation.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/localsport