THE Cockburn Basketball Association is among 12 Cockburn and Fremantle organisations to receive a share of $150,000 in Federal funding.
The association founded in 1972 and the home of the Cockburn Cougars received $20,000 to go towards new backboards and hoops as part of the Stronger Communities Program funding.
Operations manager Graeme Pratt said the new backboards and rings would allow for increased participation basketball participation as they swung down to allow junior development with primary aged children.
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READ NOW“The proposed backboards can also swing up to the roof to allow other sports (such as indoor soccer and volleyball) to be played at the stadium,” Mr Pratt said.
“If we can develop an early interest in sport, then our members can be lifelong participants in physical activity.
“An upgraded facility will also spark interest in the local community and be a source of pride.”
Fremantle MHR Josh Wilson said it had been a strongly contested third round for the funding and he was happy to share it among community, sporting, arts, youth and heritage groups from across his electorate.
“I’m glad to have the opportunity to help local groups, many of which deliver amazing services or opportunities with scant resources,” he said.
“Having grown up in Fremantle I’ve been lucky to experience the social engagement and support that a number of these organisations provide.
“The upgrade and expansion of facilities will enable these community groups to handle increasing demand, offer even better service and opportunities, and attract and retain their invaluable volunteer corps.”
The Fremantle Netball Association, another recipient, will use its $16,000 for new lighting at the Gibson Park Courts.
A spokeswoman for the association said they were grateful for the invaluable contribution which would enable them to hold their spring competition for longer periods and with more participants.
“We are also able to offer community clubs longer timeslots to hold their sporting activities at night, expanding their fitness, training and participation times and numbers,” she said.
“Clubs can also hold their wind ups here under the night lights.”
Other clubs who received funding:
· Coogee Beach Surf Life Saving Club $19,000 — Equipment/training room upgrade.
· Glyde-In Community Centre $4,850 — Reticulation and garden restoration
· Fremantle Cricket Club $20,000 — Cricket net upgrades
· Fremantle Volunteer Heritage Guides $7,000 — Cottage A/C and furniture upgrades
· APACE Inc $20,000 — Nursery/All-weather venue
· Atwell Scouts 2,580 — Tents and trailer for scouts
· Hamilton Hill Community Group $4,500 — Mobile pizza oven
· St Patrick’s Community Support Centre $15,000 — Oral Health Clinic expansion
· Circus WA $11,000 — Big-top refurbishment
· Cockburn Community Men’s Shed $10,000 — Fit-out of new premises
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