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The NSW Government has revealed two initiatives that will back new and existing sports facilities as well as athlete development in regional NSW.

As part of NSW’s $1.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, the $100 million Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund will contribute to improving the quality and quantity of sports venues in regional areas.

Announcing the funding, NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro advised “sport is central to the lives of so many people living in regional NSW (and with) the NSW Government wanting to ensure regional communities are vibrant, strong and cohesive places to live, sport is central to achieving that.

“This fund will focus on projects that not only improve the playing experience but the fan experience.

“High quality sports facilities will allow regional communities to attract significant professional and amateur events to their region.

“Those sports events will boost visitation, encourage spending in local communities, and ultimately lead to employment and stronger local economies."

Deputy Premier Barilaro said the Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund is now open for applications and will build upon the investments already being made in regional NSW.

NSW Minister for Sports Stuart Ayres added that the Fund will back projects that will benefit the whole community, stating “it could be a sporting facility capable of hosting regional, state or national championships, a regional sporting hub or a multi-purpose facility.

“So many of our sports stars are born and raised in country NSW, and we want to make sure our regional communities have high quality facilities to encourage participation and develop sports talent.

“We’re excited to hear ideas from local sporting groups and look forward to working with regional organisations and local governments to improve sporting facilities and experiences across the state.” The NSW Government’s Office of Sport has also opened scholarship nominations for athletes and coaches to join the new South East Sports Academy (SESA).

Providing sport development programs in Bega, Eurobodalla, Yass, Snowy Mountains, Queanbeyan and beyond, building a pathway for athletes to progress to the elite level, SESA’s individual athlete program will support up to 50 of the region’s high performing young athletes with a scholarship of up to $500 to go towards education and travel.

These athletes will also have the opportunity to attend a two-day sport education course and have access to the Australian Institute of Sport Basecamp – an online program to mentor athletes in developing important sport and self-development skills.

The academy is also calling for nominations for coaches to join the program and is aiming to work with up to 10 high performing coaches with advancement opportunities through financial scholarships, accreditation courses and mentoring opportunities with elite level coaches.

It also offers squad programs in partnership with state sport organisations, including golf, cycling, netball and surfing, and is looking to expand into other sports.

In addition, a sport governance course targeted towards management committees from sports clubs across the region is also available for application.

SESA is being managed by the NSW Office of Sport over the next three years.

For information on the Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund go to www.nsw.gov.au/regionalsportsinfrastructure.

SESA nominations can be made at www.sesa.net.au 

Image: Barden Park Regional Centre of Excellence for Athletics in Dubbo.

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