Migrant groups, people with physical and intellectual disabilities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Logan will be the focus of a new initiative aimed at ensuring all Australians can participate in sport and physical activity.
Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen MP welcomed the allocation of $644,080 in funding for Logan City Council, one of 57 successful recipients selected as part of the program, Driving Social Inclusion through Sport and Physical Activity.
The $19 million initiative is designed to strengthen communities through participation.
“The City of Logan has a unique cultural tapestry like no other with many newly arrived migrants and refugees and a rich history with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities calling our City home,” Mr van Manen said.
“Logan City Council and Swim Logan was identified as serving an important role in bridging the divide and encouraging social inclusion across Logan.”
“This organisation and others like it continue to play a vital role as we strive toward being more inclusive.”
“I am incredibly proud of the work the Morrison Government and our partners like Logan City Council are doing to really drive social inclusion in Logan to build stronger and better communities and outcomes for all residents.
The grants are the outcome of an open competitive process run by the Federal Government last year. It attracted more than 850 applications.
All projects that have been awarded funding were recommended by the Department of Health.
The program will also target female sporting groups.
It is part of the Government’s $71 million investment in social cohesion initiatives to build stronger communities.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck said sport and physical activity is a key element to a stronger, more resilient and connected life.
“This is even more important as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Minister Colbeck said.
“It is important for all Australians to have opportunities to lead an active and healthy lifestyle,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Supporting organisations to promote sport and physical activity as a powerful tool for inclusion is a key part of addressing this problem.
“Australians want to get moving again. We want sport and recreation – with all the health, economic, social and cultural benefits – back in our communities.”
Logan City Council Lifestyle Committee Chairperson, Councillor Laurie Koranski, said the project was designed to ensure more Logan residents could enjoy water activities safely.
“The ability to enjoy our pools, beaches and waterways safely is a vital part of our way of life,” Cr Koranski said.
“This program is designed to minimise incidences of drowning and extend that enjoyment to those in our community who may not have had access to swimming lessons before.
“We welcome this week’s funding from the Federal Government which will help boost this life-saving initiative.”
As COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and community-based group sport and physical activity resumes, grant recipients have been given an extended timeframe to December 2022 to deliver funded activities.
Senator Colbeck reiterated advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), recommending the resumption of sport and recreation activities must be done safely and not compromise the health and safety of individuals and the community.
Further information about the Driving Social Inclusion through Sport and Physical Activity program is available here.