Ballina Little Athletics Club’s goal of installing electronic timing equipment is a step closer thanks to its success in the March round of Greater Bank’s #GreaterNorthernRivers Community Funding Program.
Taking out the public vote has earned Ballina Little Athletics Club $2000, with runners-up, Jumbunna Community Preschool and Early Intervention Centre and Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue - Ballina Byron Sea Turtle Hospital, each receiving $500.
Ballina Little Athletics Club President, Briony Leonard, said the upgrade is a significant investment.
“We are planning to install electronic timing equipment to get our athletes used to digital timing and to support our amazing club volunteers,” Briony said.
“We currently hand-time all events, which means relying on parents and other volunteers to operate a stopwatch for each competitor, which is very labour-intensive and not nearly as accurate as electronic timing devices.
“The new equipment will cost $7,500 and we are currently in the process of fundraising to cover that cost, but the benefits to our athletes will be enormous.
“The club has grown 300% to 167 athletes over the last two years, and we expect that we will continue to grow over the coming years as well, so this contribution from Greater Bank really couldn’t have come at a better time.”
Greater Northern Rivers Regional Sales Manager, Scott McCluskey, said it’s great to see the club attracting new participants.
“After everything that’s happened over the past few years, it’s fantastic to see kids getting back into athletics and giving new things a go,” Scott said.
“That’s why we’re delighted to support their goal of bringing the club’s operations into the 21st century with this new equipment.”
The April round of the Program has another $3,000 up for grabs and our monthly nominees are Eltham Public School P & C Association, Bangalow Koalas and Northern Rivers Pickleball Inc.
Public online voting is now open at www.greater.com.au/greaternorthernrivers until 5.00pm Wednesday 26 April, 2023