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backMedia Release

$120,000 up for grabs in parched bush sports clubs competition

21 December 2007

Media Release

Date 21 December 2007

$120,000 up for grabs in parched bush sports clubs competition

Country Australia’s national philanthropic supporter is donning the boots to help drought-proof sports facilities in the bush.

In a first, the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR), will team with ABC Sport and Rural Radio to run a competition offering $120,000 to drought-proof country facilities.

Called Drought Not-out, the competition will be launched nationally at the Boxing Day Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

To enter, sports clubs are invited to explain how drought-proofing could help their communities.

FRRR chief executive officer Sylvia Admans encouraged sports clubs from Bourke to Bunbury and from Cunnamulla to Cygnet to enter.

“This is a real chance for country towns and bush communities to build their sporting facilities which have taken a real hiding in the drought but are often their heart and soul and so are vital for their future sustainability and economy,” Ms Admans said.

“Sports clubs which can see a viable future but might need a hand to help drought-proof their grounds, perhaps by installing drought-tolerant turf, water tanks or run-off collection and recycling systems, are encouraged to put their thinking caps on and make an entry.”

“Since the foundation began in 2000, we’ve given millions of dollars to champion the strength of the nation’s remote, rural and regional communities. This is made possible through the generosity of those who care about the future of rural and regional Australia and the nation as a whole.”

“We’ve given grants for everything from tanks for town halls, to training for outback indigenous workers, to first aid kits for outback playgroups, to UHF radio for remote kids and for community foundations which are an outstanding way for regions to invest in their own futures.

“We want people to know about the work we do and why we do it and that we are there for country Australia. Drought Not-Out is a great way to do this and we’re particularly pleased to partner with the ABC.”

The national Drought Not-Out winner will receive up to $50,000 and will host a live concert featuring ABC sports commentators at their facility and a live broadcast of The Country Hour. Winners in each state/territory will receive up to $10,000. Prize money must be spent on drought-proofing measures.

Entries close on January 28. State finalists will be announced in Brisbane on Feb 3 and the national winner will be declared in Sydney on March 2.

To enter, clubs must:

  • Describe in 300 words or less why your sports club is the heart of the community? Include photos of your grounds.
  • Describe in 150 words or less what your community is doing to keep the sporting club open during drought?
  • Describe in 150 words or less how drought-proofing would benefit a range of sports in your area?
  • Describe in 150 words or less the long-term benefits of a viable social and economic future for your community?

Entries can be mailed to Drought Not-Out, ABC Rural, GPO Box 994, Melbourne, Vic, 3001 or can be submitted online at www.abc.net.au/rural and follow the link to Drought Not Out.

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Media contacts Sylvia Admans, Chief Executive Officer, Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal. Ph: 0419 921054 top