The Niagara Park Ourimbah Dockers Junior AFL Club have taken out the June round of the Greater Bank’s Greater Central Coast program after experiencing financial impacts due to the pandemic.
Club Secretary, Kim Hardacre, said the $2,000 they will receive through the program will go some way towards filling the fundraising hole that was left following last year’s interrupted season.
“In order to make the game affordable for our players and their families the players’ fees are minimal, which means we rely heavily on fundraising to provide a range of essential things for the club like playing and safety equipment and uniforms,” Kim said.
“Our canteen has long been the centre of our fundraising, but that took a hit last year with the season being interrupted.
“Even when we got back up and running the restrictions that were in place meant that we had very few families and supporters at our games.
“This funding from Greater Bank could not have come at a better time, particularly given another COVID cloud hanging over the region.
“It will allow us to purchase a new set of goal post pads, which we desperately need, and put some of the money towards an end-of-season presentation for our teams.”
Kim said that an unexpected benefit of being part of June’s community funding program was the way it galvanised the club.
“The way we had to operate due to COVID last year meant we were disjointed as a club.
“This program created so much interest and chat amongst the players and their families and really brought everyone together.
Youth arts company, Jopuka Productions and Central Coast Rowing Club both received $500 as the runners-up for June.
Greater Bank’s Central Coast Regional Sales Manager, Josh Swetnam, said COVID-19 had again created a level of uncertainty across the community and is delighted that the community funding program had provided a level of financial support to a dedicated sporting club.
“Struggling due to COVID has been a common theme for many community groups across the Central Coast over the past 12 months so it’s heartening to be able to provide much-needed support to a passionate sporting group like the Niagara Park Ourimbah Dockers,” Josh said.
Source:
Media Release, Jul 5
Glen Hawke, Karris Communications