Upgrade for Bundaberg Table Tennis hits the spot

Christmas has come early for the Bundaberg Table Tennis Centre with funding announced to install new flooring and ventilation to bring a cool change for local competitors.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt congratulated the Bundaberg and District Table Tennis Association on its two successful grant applications.

“The association will receive $21,929 from the Community Sport Infrastructure Grant program to lay 530 metres of sports flooring, and $3,523 from round 4 of the Stronger Communities Program to install much needed ventilation to the Bundaberg Table Tennis Centre,” Mr Pitt said.

“The association was given the flooring following the 2018 Commonwealth Games and it’s exciting to think that our local players will be competing on the same floor used by Commonwealth Games competitors.

“The Stronger Communities funding will see ventilation installed to allow airflow in the centre and let heat escape from the unlined metal shed,” Mr Pitt said.

Bundaberg and District Table Tennis Association development officer Dave Delpratt said the upgrades would make a big difference for the centre and its players.

“The nature of table tennis means the centre must be windowless to restrict sunlight and airflow which could interfere with the playing of the game.

“Heat and humidity is a significant barrier to retaining current membership of around 150 players and recruiting more players,” he said.

The Community Sport Infrastructure Grant program is investing $28 million in 223 projects across Australia that will help drive increased participation in sports and physical activity.

The number of applications received nationally – over 2000 – was more than anticipated and to meet the interest, the government will allocate an additional $30 million for projects in early 2019 from the existing pool of applications.
 

The Stronger Communities Program offered eligible community groups grants of between $5,000 and $20,000 for small capital projects. All applications needed to commit at least matching funding or in-kind contributions.