Thriving Communities Program

The Hon. T.T. NGO (14:49): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Can the minister update the chamber on projects that will be funded as part of the third round of the Thriving Communities Program grants?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:49): I thank the honourable member for his question and his ongoing interest in regional matters. I am delighted to announce that, through the Thriving Regions Fund/Thriving Communities Program, additional projects will receive funding to help grow our regional communities. Almost half a million people live in our regions, and regional businesses and industries contribute $36.74 billion to our state's economy. The Thriving Communities Program, in assisting small, targeted projects, helps to maintain vibrant, resilient communities in which people want to live and participate as we see our regions thrive.

On Saturday, I had the opportunity to visit the Port Broughton Combined Sporting Club, to engage with the region about the considerable benefits that the project will bring to their club. On game days, the sporting club is a place that brings the community together, which is so common in rural and regional townships; we all know that sporting clubs are often the heartbeat of regional communities.

The Port Broughton Combined Sporting Club is also a popular venue for engagements, weddings, birthdays and, indeed, funerals, providing a central location for functions within Port Broughton. This project, that has been funded, will provide for the installation of three bifold doors to its viewing deck, allowing for those with wheelchairs or walking frames, or other accessibility challenges, easier access to the popular spectator area.

I really appreciated the opportunity to meet with Belinda Dolling from the club, as she talked about the project, and I also met with other club members. Indeed, about 45 participants were there as well. It was great to have a very quick chat with them and also to see their enthusiasm for their club. Belinda Dolling said:

As the body overseeing four sporting groups at our facilities—football, netball, cricket and tennis—it is a massive undertaking to keep our facilities to the standard required.

By enhancing access and the visual appeal of our clubrooms through the installation of the bifold doors, this will ensure more comfortable use of our facilities for everyone.

I also visited the Port Broughton Bowling Club. The bowling club received funding, again through the Thriving Communities Program, to upgrade its clubrooms and facilities to enable more visitors and members to take part in activities at the venue. Sandra Mauger was kind enough to take time out of her Saturday afternoon to talk about the club and show me through. She was also very passionate about what the club does, not just in terms of the actual activities—the bowling and so on—but what it means for the local community. She said:

The focus of our club is to promote inclusion, independence and shared decision-making for all in our community.

With our clubroom serving as a community engagement hub not just through bowls but also through other initiatives including social events, Friday night volunteer-run teas and intergenerational mentoring, improving accessibility by installing the ramp and automatic door emphasises that we are here for all community members.

When we were discussing those Friday night volunteer-run teas, she also mentioned the support that's received from the fishing industry, and particularly the Barnes family in their participation in those fundraisers.

The Port Broughton projects are two of 38 projects across South Australian regions, which have so far been given a jumpstart through the Thriving Communities Program. The Thriving Regions Fund is a $15 million commitment per annum to support projects that enable regional communities to grow jobs and strengthen regional communities. The Malinauskas Labor government cares deeply about our regions and the people in our regions, and we will continue to support them as we see them grow into the future.