Federal funding sees facility upgrade at kart club

Member for Barker Tony Pasin joined the Mount Gambier Karting Club to officially open the new shower block at the Glenburnie track.

The club received $20,000 from the former Coalition Government for the construction of double shower block for club members and competitors, many of whom camp on site during competitions.

Mr Pasin (pictured far right with some of the young karters) said he was pleased that the Mount Gambier Karting Club was successful in their application to Round 7 of the Coalition Government’s highly successful Stronger Communities Program.

“The former Coalition Government focused heavily on local capacity building by targeting funding to grassroots community organisations like the Mount Gambier Karting Club, enabling local clubs to improve their facilities because well maintained facilities lead to strong clubs that contribute to even stronger communities,” Mr Pasin said.

Club spokesperson Elliot Jones, said the club was extremely grateful for the financial support, because without the Stronger Communities Program, the project would not have been achievable.

“MGKC has very limited capacity to raise funds and it’s only form of income is through local sponsorship support and funds raised through the canteen and support from its members on race days.

“We’ve had a shower facilities on the agenda for decades but lack of funds made it unachievable.

“With the funding from this program plus support from the members and sponsors, it became a reality very quickly. The shower block is now a major asset to the club and wider karting community.”

Community-led projects across Barker have shared in $1.2million including the Mount Gambier Bowls Club Kitchen ($15,000), the Harness Club lighting ($20,000), East Gambier rainwater tank and kitchen upgrade ($33,000), Sunset Community Kitchen ($11,000), West Gambier Football Club BBQ shed extension and all weather pavilion ($20,000), Old Mount Gambier Gaol Community Garden ($20,000), Mount Gambier & District Baseball Club upgrade ($12,000), Kongorong Community Bus ($20,000).