January 15, 2013

Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington has reminded families they can now apply for vouchers under the new “Get Started” component of the State Government’s $18 million grassroots sports program.

“Get Started is designed to help kids who can least afford, or would otherwise benefit from getting involved in sport, with vouchers of up to $150 to help pay for membership and participation fees at a registered club,” Mrs Frecklington said.

“This grassroots sporting initiative is another way the Newman Government is helping ease the cost of living for Queensland families, and it’s a great way for our local clubs to encourage and grow their membership.”

Sporting clubs must register to take part in the program … and more than 27 clubs across the Nanango Electorate have done so.

These include: Barambah Bowhunters & Field Archers, Burnett Softball Association, Kingaroy Junior Soccer Club, Kingaroy Netball Association, Kingaroy Rugby League Football Club, Kingaroy Senior Soccer Club, Kingaroy Sporting Club, Kingaroy Swimming Club, Kingaroy Touch Association, Nanango and District Netball Association, Nanango Rugby League Football Club, Nanango Soccer Club, South Burnett Pistol Club, South Burnett Rugby Union Club, South Burnett Saints Australian Football, Yarraman Bowls Club.

Other clubs in the Callide electorate have also registered for the program.

“This is a great response which underscores the positive feedback from local clubs, which say the program will benefit their members and help them provide better services,” Mrs Frecklington said.

Application forms for Get Started are now available online

Mrs Frecklington said $6 million had been allocated to the Get Started program over the next three years, which would provide up to 40,000 vouchers. The funding would be distributed in two rounds each year on a “first come, first served” basis.

NB. A South Burnett sporting club was reporting on Facebook this morning that the Get Started website had crashed under the weight of applications at 9:00am. The website notes that the online voucher application processing system cannot handle an unlimited number of applications simultaneously. So if you are unable to connect to the application processing system, don’t give up … click on the link again or try again later.

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UPDATE: Acting Sport and Recreation Minister Ros Bates said more than 1500 vouchers had been issued within just hours of opening this morning, and thousands more applications were expected in coming days.

“This has been an overwhelming response that underscores the positive feedback we’ve been receiving from local clubs,” Ms Bates said.

“They believe the program will benefit their members and help them provide better services.

“With such a strong level of interest and hundreds of people attempting to access the application system at once, I understand there have been some delays; however I would urge patience and assure people that every application is being worked through as quickly as possible.”