The Rockliff Liberal Government knows that investing in programs and facilities to encourage participation in sport is important to the wellbeing of children, young people and the general community.
Supporting local sporting clubs to access safe, inclusive and fit-for-purpose facilities is a key part of this.
Today Minister for Education Children and Youth, Roger Jaensch, and Minister for Sport and Recreation, Nic Street, celebrated the partnership between the Tasmanian Government, Lauderdale Primary School, Basketball Tasmania and the Grenadiers Basketball Club.
"These organisations partnered together to identify and implement improvements to the school gym to provide children with the infrastructure they need to participate in grassroots basketball," Minister Jaensch said.
Minister Street said the project was funded by the Tasmanian Liberal Government's Improving the Playing Fields Grant Program.
"This grants program provides financial assistance to upgrade amenities at sporting facilities around Tasmania, allowing them to cater for all participants," Minister Street said.
"The improvements consist of new backboard and ring infrastructure, allowing height adjustments to be made for younger age groups.
"It is as a result of these improvements, new accessible, low-cost basketball programs are now available on Hobart's Eastern Shore for a growing number of young participants, as well as improved facilities for youth in the community."
Lauderdale Primary School has a long-standing relationship with the Grenadiers Basketball Club.
Minister Jaensch said it was fantastic to see the school and the club coming together to address the need for enhanced facilities for grassroots participants.
"To further address the needs of community sporting clubs, the Department for Education, Children and Young People has recently appointed three Community Liaison roles to support and facilitate the use of Government school facilities outside of school hours," Minister Jaensch said.
"Many of our schools currently work with sporting clubs to ensure their members can access the facilities they need to safely train and play.
"The primary purpose of the new roles is to assist Government schools to maximise the out-of-hours use of their facilities, work with sporting organisations to identify upgrades that may be required and grow sport and physical activity participation in our communities.
"These roles will also look to establish more formal relationships with sporting clubs, sporting organisations and community groups to promote ongoing participation in sport through improved access to school facilities."
The Rockliff Liberal Government will continue to work closely with local sporting clubs to provide the best possible facilities for sport and recreation in Tasmania.
"Our Government is absolutely focused on taking our State to new levels, and making it the best place to live, work and raise a family," Minister Street said.
