Carolyn Male MP, State Member for Pine Rivers, said that rugby league players from Pine Rivers will benefit from $4,990 in Queensland Government funding as part of the Sport and Recreation Active Inclusion program.

Carolyn Male MP said that Active Inclusion offers special funding to sport and recreation clubs looking to build their own capacity through enhanced education and training programs, the recruitment and retention of volunteers, and by encouraging participation in sport and recreation from within their community.

Carolyn Male MP said the Queensland Government, through the 2010-11 Budget, is providing funding over and above standard streams to help sport and recreation clubs develop and enhance their own resource as they look to grow and attract new membership.

“Local communities thrive through participation at local sport and recreation clubs, and that’s why we are supporting them to be as successful and inclusive as they can be,” Carolyn Male MP said.

“Clubs will be able to build their capacity by providing accredited training to their volunteers, such as referees, coaches, and first aid officers, and by supporting clubs to hold come and try days to boost their membership.”

The Pine Central Holy Spirit Rugby League Football Club will receive $4990 to conduct first aid, referee, judge and coach accreditation to support rugby league at Bray Park.

Carolyn Male MP said the programs were designed to increase participation, recruit volunteers, and encourage disadvantaged communities to participate in sport and recreation.

“One of the targets in the Bligh Government’s blueprint for the next decade, Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland, is to help Queenslanders become Australia’s healthiest people by 2020,” Carolyn Male MP said.

“The benefits of regular physical activity are well-documented and our investment in sport and recreation is focussed on making sure everyone has an opportunity to get out and get active.”

“Queensland invests more funding in sport and recreation than any other state in Australia, which helps to keep Queenslanders fit and healthy, and rewards us with the best sporting teams and athletes in the country.”