On Saturday, the Waitangi Day celebrations at the home of Campbelltown grand rugby club, the Harlequins, were a great success.
The local Kiwi community, many of whom are also part of the Harlequins family, celebrated this historic New Zealand event for the first time in our region.
But this inaugural event was made even more memorable when the state member for Campbelltown, Greg Warren, joined in the festivities to announce that the Harlequins would be receiving $20,000 to upgrade the facilities at Campbelltown Showground.
Mr Warren said the money was available under the Community Building Partnership program.
Campbelltown Harlequin Rugby Football Club was formed in 1972 by a group of rugby buffs at the Lack’s Hotel – now known as Court Tavern – and fielded a team in Sydney’s suburban competition for several seasons.
The club has gone on to win many hours, including the Illawarra rugby premiership.
“With player numbers rising it’s great to be able to support one of our many great sporting clubs to upgrade the facilities they need as they continue to grow,” Mr Warren said on Saturday at the Showground.
The local MP said Campbelltown received a total of $300,000 in funding, with every dollar being invested into 14 local organisations to support and strengthen the local community.
Mr Warren said he was pleased to see funding allocated to so many worthwhile organisations like the Harlequins, including some who have previously applied for funding without success.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“I have always believed that any investment in sporting clubs is an investment in our kids, where they learn not only their chosen sport but skills they can carry through life, like leadership, teamwork and discipline” Mr Warren said.[/social_quote]
Harlequin’s vice president Darren Croft said after the announcement: “The money is greatly appreciated and will be well used to benefit the club and players by delivering some much-needed upgrades to our facilities”.
