Dungog and surrounds sports group kicks goals for young people

THE It Takes a Community Sports Group is kicking goals, with its focus on getting more young people healthy, active and involved in sport while also supporting wellbeing and helping fund-raise for a much-needed community bus for the whole region.

Since a community meeting in September, the group has worked to promote the value of sport, support local clubs and schools, and create more opportunities for young people to be active.

The results have already been significant. A touch football program that aimed to attract about 40 children ended up with more than 100 registrations The group has also supported efforts to keep the local swimming pool open longer, encouraged tennis lessons and competition, and helped promote greater participation in soccer and other local sports.

While the group’s original goal was to get more young people healthy, active and connected through sport, its focus has grown.

Organisers say sport plays an important role in physical health, mental health, confidence and connection

After hearing how many young people were missing out on sporting, cultural and educational experiences because of the lack and cost of transport, the group also took on the challenge of helping raise money for a 21 to 24 seat community bus.

The group recently helped organise a major fundraiser that collected more than $20,000.

Local people and businesses donated items for the auction and raffle, while others pledged money to support the project.

Some funds have already been distributed to local sporting clubs to help young people who may otherwise struggle to participate.

Other funds will support Gala Day activities, with the majority going towards the community bus.

Guests at the fundraiser heard from Newcastle Knights legend Robbie O’Davis, Australian netball and Oztag representative Narelle Eather, and Lyndsay Walker from U Matter, who spoke about the importance of mental health. The evening was emceed by Keith Onslow.

Key organiser Shane Darr said the night showed the strength of the community.

“It was amazing to see everyone come together for the benefit of sport, young people and the wider community,” he said.

The bus project now has a target of $80,000, with more than $20,000 raised and another $7,000 pledged.

Other community groups have also offered to help, with more updates to come.

The Sports Group also helped at the recent rodeo by cleaning up and collecting cans, while Gresford Vacy Football Club recently held a charity day with funds also going towards the bus.

A giant raffle involving schools and community groups is planned later in the year, with hopes that former students, local supporters and businesses from across the region will also contribute.

Organisers say one of the most important outcomes is not only the bus itself, but the chance for the whole community to feel proud of what can be achieved when people work together.

At its heart, the project is about getting the whole community behind our young people. It is a reminder that it really does take a whole community to raise a child.

Anyone wanting to help can call Shane Darr on 0428 044 588 or Jim Doyle on 0407 307 800.