TONY PASIN MP
MEMBER FOR BARKER
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORT
MEDIA RELEASE
MOUNT GAMBIER KARTING CLUB CELEBRATES NEW FACILITIES
Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP has joined the Mount Gambier Karting Club to officially open the new shower block at the Glenburnie kart track.
The Club received $20,000 from the former Coalition Government for the construction of double shower block for club members and competitors, many of whom camp on site during competitions.
Mr Pasin said he was pleased that the Mount Gambier Karting Club was successful in their application to Round 7 of the Coalition Government’s highly successful Stronger Communities Program.
“The former Coalition Government focused heavily on local capacity building by targeting funding to grassroots community organisations like the Mount Gambier Karting Club, enabling local clubs to improve their facilities because well maintained facilities lead to strong clubs that contribute to even stronger communities,” Mr Pasin said.
Since 2016 the Coalition’s Stronger Communities Program has provided small grants to community organisations and local governments for small capital projects that deliver social benefits for local communities. The Program committed funding to over 15,000 community–based projects across Australia.
Community-led projects across Barker have shared in $1,200,000, including the Mount Gambier Bowls Club Kitchen ($15,000), the Harness Club lighting ($20,000), East Gambier rainwater tank and kitchen upgrade ($33,000), Sunset Community Kitchen ($11,000), West Gambier Football Club BBQ shed extension and all weather pavilion ($20,000), Old Mount Gambier Gaol Community Garden ($20,000), Mount Gambier & District Baseball Club upgrade ($12,000), Kongorong Community Bus ($20,000).
“Unfortunately, the Albanese Government has decided not to continue funding for the Stronger Communities Program past Round 8, so whilst it’s fantastic that the Mount Gambier Karting Club was able to take advantage of this Coalition program it’s very sad opportunities like this no longer exist,” Mr Pasin said.
Club Spokesperson Elliot Jones, said the Club was extremely grateful for the financial support received from the former Coalition Government, because without the Stronger Communities Program, the project would not have been achievable.
“MGKC has very limited capacity to raise funds and it’s only form of income is through local sponsorship support and funds raised through the canteen and support from its members on race days.”
“We’ve had a shower facilities on the agenda for decades but lack of funds made it unachievable.
With the funding from this program plus support from the members and sponsors, it became a reality very quickly. The shower block is now a major asset to the club and wider karting community.”
“On behalf of the MGKC and our president Jason Fewins and all of our members we are very thankful that we received funds from this program,” Mr Jones said.
Media Contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8724 7730
