Shire of Murray residents selected to participate in events in WA can now apply for funding under changes to the shire’s sponsorship policy.
Its community sponsorship fund policy, which provides financial contribution towards expenses for eligible shire residents selected to participate in sporting, recreational and academic events, has been in effect since 2011.
It was reviewed this year and the changes were adopted unanimously by the council at its August 27 meeting.
Grants will now be available for events that are more than 200km from the shire administration office in Pinjarra.
Previously they were available only for interstate events, which were eligible for a $200 grant, or international events, which were eligible for $300.
All approved applicants will now receive $200. The council was told based on the previous three rounds, a consistent $200 contribution could have supported 10 additional residents per year.
The grant will be paid after the event, but advance payments can be made in limited financial hardship circumstances.
There will now be up to two funding rounds each year, but grants will be available to individuals only. A shire report said there had been no applications from teams or groups for funding since the policy was introduced.
The shire report said the changes would provide more equitable access to financial contributions.
The meeting was told last year the shire increased its budget allocation for the sponsorship fund.
Cr Stewart Carter said the changes would give people involved in events throughout WA an opportunity to apply for support.
Cr Nicole Willis said it was good timing with people experiencing cost-of-living pressures.
“It’s already a popular fund, probably will be more popular to come,” she said.