Released 01/07/2021
Applications for grants of up to $250,000 have opened today to help Canberra’s club industry shift their reliance on gambling-based revenue to more long-term sustainable solutions.
This is the second round of funding announced by the ACT Government under the Diversification and Sustainability Support Fund (DSSF).
“Community clubs play an important role in our social fabric. They support our sporting teams, create employment opportunities and are often a place to meet and socialise with other Canberrans. However, we know that many clubs receive a significant amount of revenue through poker machines that can cause harm to people, their families and communities,” Minister for Gaming Shane Rattenbury said.
“The Diversification and Sustainability Support Fund helps Canberra’s community clubs implement initiatives that reduce gambling harm and build a more sustainable, safe and secure future.
“It is an opportunity for clubs to explore innovative ways to diversify their revenue streams that support community safety and connection.”
Chair of the Advisory Board for the DSSF Neville Stevens anticipates a range of new initiatives that the ACT club industry plans to implement.
“I look forward to reviewing the breadth and variety of applications developed by the clubs industry, and seeing the funding deliver tangible outcomes for the ACT community,” Mr Stevens said.
There is over $1 million available in the DSSF in the 2021-22 financial year due to the ACT Government’s commitment to match industry contributions for the first three years of the Fund’s operation.
This will be the second complete Tier 2 funding round held by the Advisory Board since the Fund was established in July 2019.
The first Tier 2 funding round supported seven projects including the installation of solar panels at the Canberra Irish Club, the development of a diversification plan for the Eastlake Football Club and the installation of solar panels and electric vehicle charging at the Canberra Yacht Club.
Applications close Friday 13 August. Find out more at https://justice.act.gov.au/diversification-and-sustainability-support-fund-0.
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Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases