MP Melanie Gibbons yesterday joined representatives from Moorebank Sports Club to sign a historic Memorandum of Understanding between local clubs and the NSW Government.
The ground breaking MoU, which provides stability for local clubs and the wider community over the next four years, was signed at an official ceremony at the Commercial Club.
The MoU provides certainty not only for clubs in the Holsworthy electorate, but also for their 342 employees, more than 48,600 members and the 214 club volunteers.
The agreement locks in tax rates for the next term of the NSW Government and commits to further enhancing the ClubGrants program – a move that is expected to see the average annual economic contribution of clubs to the state grow to a record $3.7 billion per year, while the amount of direct community funding is expected to soar to $128 million a year.
With a focus on strengthening industry viability and red tape reduction, the MoU also makes sure local clubs can continue to operate as community hubs, building and maintaining essential local infrastructure.
Ms Gibbons said the Resilient Clubs, Resilient Communities MoU builds on key commitments already achieved by the NSW Government and ensures the future of the community’s much-loved clubs.
“Clubs play a significant role in the local community and this MoU will give clubs the certainty and stability to plan for the future, something that will ensure their ongoing sustainability,” she said.
“In addition to their community support, clubs also make a significant economic contribution which sees them employ more than 42,000 people across the state.”
Moorebank Sports Club CEO Tracey Lentell welcomed the MoU and said she looked forward to seeing the great things that will be achieved as a result of the historic agreement.
“Clubs make a significant contribution to the community, which is why having certainty and stability is crucial,” she said.
“In both good times and bad, clubs are there for the community. This MoU will bring certainty to our industry which will allow us to continue meeting the needs of our community.’’
ClubsNSW Chairman Peter Newell also welcomed the MoU.
“When not-for-profit clubs know what the future looks like, they’re better able to support their local area, create jobs and invest in new facilities,” he said.
