AFL grants to help Northern Rivers clubs recover from cyclone damage.

The Australian Football League has provided grants to clubs across the Northern Rivers to help get them back on the field and support their recovery from the impacts of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Impacted clubs are receiving immediate funding assistance to put towards lost or damaged equipment such as footballs or kitchen stock, urgent repairs to grounds or changerooms, or to help with paying insurance excess.

Ballina Bombers, Byron Bay Magpies, Lismore Swans and Tweed Tigers are eligible for assistance.

The Swans senior teams have not returned to the field since the 2022 floods and are focussed on rebuilding the club.

It will field juniors teams in under-9s and under-11s this season.

“I know how devastating the impact these weather events can have on families and local businesses in Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales, and that funds that would normally be raised to help Aussie rules football clubs are needed elsewhere, as is the time and energy of so many local volunteers,” AFL CEO Andrew Dillion said.

“All community clubs are not only key members of the AFL family and a great place for players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters, but also play such an important role in connecting and providing a meeting place for the wider community, particularly at times like now where so many communities are dealing with the impact of the cyclone.

“The AFL is committed to continuing to work with community Australian rules football clubs, state AFL bodies, local leagues, and all levels of Government to support communities through the recovery stage.”