Caption: (Photo by Robert Woodland) Whyalla Mayor Clare McLaughlin, back centre, is pictured with Steel United representatives, from left, Gerard Docherty, Aaron Ledington, Jean Docherty, Jiselle Smith, Nikayla Mercer, Breeyana Smith, Shannon Mercer, Tamzin Mercer, Tennessee Mercer and Corrina Haines.
Whyalla City Council is providing further relief to those most in need, now assisting sporting clubs impacted by COVID-19 with funding for their water bills.
The pandemic forced a number of clubs to close their doors to the public, making it increasingly difficult to cover costs due to the loss of regular income.
To assist clubs who have been required to maintain grounds throughout these closures, the Department of Treasury and Finance released a Water Relief Grant, covering 50% of eligible clubs’ bills for the period between April to June 2020.
Council is now offering further support by making funding available to cover the remaining 50% of water bills for those eligible clubs, with almost $14,000 already allocated to clubs and associations in need.
Mayor Clare McLaughlin said this was further evidence of the commitment council made at the beginning of the pandemic to support the community.
“Many clubs, businesses, industries and individuals have been faced with unexpected hardship as a result of COVID-19, so we were keen to alleviate this financial pressure wherever possible,” Mayor McLaughlin said.
“This water relief is another example of this assistance, building on our recent six-month waiver on lease and licence fees for community associations, helping them to survive these hardships and continue to service local residents.”
Steel United is among the clubs to benefit, with council approving almost $4000 in support at this month’s meeting, which Treasurer Aaron Ledington said was critical to their ongoing viability.
“We require a significant amount of water to keep our pitch in good condition, so without this funding, we could be forced to close our ground, having the add-on effect of losing canteen and bar takings – the two main lifelines of any sporting club,” Mr Ledington said.
“We are therefore sincerely appreciative of Whyalla City Council’s support, which will help cover these maintenance costs and ensure we can continue to offer a safe, enjoyable environment for the community.”
Council is keen to support other sporting clubs or associations who have had to maintain their facilities while being forced to close their doors to the public due to the pandemic.
To find out more, please contact council on 8640 3444 or council@whyalla.sa.gov.au to discuss the assistance options available.