Six Canberra clubs have received almost AU$1 million as distribution aimed at helping them become less dependent on poker machine revenue. The money is set to be redirected for covering various projects, including a conference centre, an indoor golf facility, as well as new outdoor dining areas.
Reportedly, the funds have been handed to the six clubs in the capital as part of the gambling diversification fund of the ACT Government, which is still pursuing a reduction of the number of so-called pokies in the territory.
According to official data, the Murrumbidgee Country Club and the Canberra North Bowling and ACT Rugby Union Club are now the biggest recipients of funds under the Government’s gambling diversification fund. The Murrumbidgee Country Club is set to receive AU$200,000 to fund the construction of an indoor golf facility, while another AU$200,000 are set to be granted to the Canberra North Bowling and ACT Rugby Union Club to fund the completion of some kitchen upgrades plus the establishment of a new cafe.
Scott Elias, the general manager of the Murrumbidgee Country Club, explained that the planned indoor golf facility would be an electronic teaching facility that would provide golfers with the chance to practise their shots and have them analysed. He revealed that planning was currently underway and shared hopes to have the project finalised by the end of 2024. According to Mr Elias, the funding is a great opportunity for a facility hosted on the south side of Canberra.
All Money Provided from the ACT Government’s Gambling Diversification Fund
According to media reports, the Croatia Deakin Soccer Club is set to receive AU$175,000, with the money set to be used for rebuilding and refurbishment of its front entrance. It is also set to make the upper floor of the venue more accessible by installing a lift. The venue’s general Manager Mark Herrick shared that the grant would be really helpful for the club, as it would help it improve access to the meeting and function rooms on the ground floor and first floor for all members, especially for people with disabilities.
The Canberra Labor Club is set to receive a little less – AU$150,000 – as funding aimed at helping the venue develop a conference centre at the Mercure Hotel in the Belconnen District. The same amount will be given to the Eastlake Football Club to install solar panels at three of its clubs across the city.
Reports have also revealed that a further AU$100,000 will be handed out to the Canberra Southern Cross Club in order to help it develop a dining area on its outdoor frontage on Corinna Street. Ian Machay, the executive officer of the club, shared that the expansion would provide a valuable space for the club’s members and noted that the Canberra Southern Cross Club was very enthusiastic about creating attractive hospitality spaces for local residents and visitors.
As explained by Gaming Minister Shane Rattenbury, the Government’s gambling diversification fund was an important part of its efforts to reduce gambling-related harm. He noted that so far, money from the fund has helped clubs diversify their revenue and transition away from money received by controversial poker machines, also known as pokies. The fund, which was developed in 2019, is financed by local clubs that are required to make an AU$20 contribution a month for the first 99 poker machine operating permits they hold. The fee rises to AU$30 a month for each poker machine above this number.
Local clubs, on the other hand, are allowed to apply for gambling diversification fund money to complete various projects that would help them become less reliant on lucrative revenue streams from poker machines. For the time being, two tiers of funding are available for clubs to access. The first one is for AU$25,000, while the second tier provides clubs with the opportunity to access up to AU$250,000 in grants. All six Canberra clubs were granted funding under the second tier.
As previously reported by Government officials, the ACT Government aims at reducing the number of poker machines in the territory to 3,500 by the following year.
- Author
Olivia Cole
