Traralgon’s Trans Tasman receives a $10,000 boost
Traralgon is setting the stage for a fierce showdown at the 2014 Trans Tasman Test Series Traralgon is setting the stage for a fierce lawn bowls showdown at the 2014 Trans Tasman Test Series, as the Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty today announced a $10,000 funding boost for the event.
Joined by the member for Morwell Russell Northe at the announcement today, Mr Delahunty said the Victorian Coalition Government’s funding contribution was made possible by the Significant Sporting Events Program which aims to maintain, develop and attract sporting events to Victoria.
“The $10,000 is a great win for Traralgon and will be a welcome boost in delivering next year’s Trans Tasman Test Series,” Mr Delahunty said.
“It’s shaping up to be a stellar tournament with the Australian Jackaroos and New Zealand Black Jacks ready to battle it out, fresh from recently competing at the Eight Nation Commonwealth Games invitational event in Scotland.
“With World Champions and Commonwealth Games gold medallists in the mix, there’s no doubt the 2014 Trans Tasman competition is set to be the best ever.
“What better location to hold the event than here in the strong bowls region of the Latrobe Valley,” Mr Delahunty said.
Member for Morwell Russell Northe said the funding will enable the Traralgon Bowling club to showcase its recently upgraded facilities to bowlers from across Australia and New Zealand.
“The competition will attract an enormous number of visitors and generate a huge economic boost for our region, with local accommodation providers, cafes, restaurants and retail outlets all benefitting from this event,” Mr Northe said.
“The Significant Sporting Events Program recognises the important role local clubs play in increasing physical activity and helping communities stay connected.
“Bowling spectators in the Gippsland region will have the opportunity to witness world class bowling action and hopefully this will inspire greater participation in a sport for all ages and abilities.
“This funding is in addition to that provided for previous events hosted locally, including $20,000 to Latrobe City to host an A-League soccer match between Melbourne Heart and Wellington Phoenix in Morwell, and $15,000 to Basketball Victoria for the 2012 FIBA Oceania Pacific Youth Basketball Championships hosted at Churchill.”
The 2014 Trans Tasman event, to be held from 18 to 20 March 2014 at the Traralgon Bowls Club, will host more than 60 top lawn bowls players across all age levels.
Mr Delahunty said these competitions contribute to Victoria’s major sporting events calendar, helping to attract large numbers of visitors to our State, providing a stimulus for the economy and boosting sports participation at a local level.
“I’m proud that the Coalition Government is investing in this event which will be the perfect opportunity for the Latrobe Valley to showcase its cities, local sports facilities and talent to even more people.
“Through initiatives like the Significant Sporting Events Program, we can work together to develop and support a wide range of events to help keep Victoria in the national and international spotlight,” Mr Delahunty said.
For more information about the Significant Sporting Events Program go to www.sport.vic.gov.au
