Sporting codes unite to rebuild grassroots facilities lost in fires

AUSTRALIA’S biggest sporting codes – including the AFL, NRL, tennis, cricket and rugby – will unite to rescue grassroots clubs devastated by fires, vowing to rebuild them better than ever.

Chief executives from AFL, Rugby Australia, Cricket Australia, Football Federation Australia, National Rugby League, Netball Australia and Tennis Australia will today join the federal sports minister, Senator Richard Colbeck, to announce the plan.

The group will set up a dedicated infrastructure fund, pool economic support, raise funds and expand lost facilities.

A national audit of local clubs that have lost facilities this summer has been launched and the codes have vowed to not just rebuild the damaged infrastructure but enhance it.

Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley said the codes set no limits on how much they would contribute or raise to pay for it.

“Often in crisis there is an opportunity and I think there is an opportunity for sport to have a different impact to what they have had before,” he said.

AFL chief Gillon McLachlan said: “We know the vital role that sport can play in providing relief and bringing together communities, especially when times are hard.”

NRL chief Todd Greenberg said: “By banding together we can create the best possible outcomes.”

Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle said it was an important time to pool resources.

“By doing so we can ensure every sporting club that has been affected by these fires has a place to play while we rebuild permanent infrastructure,” she said.

Mr Tiley said the sports were setting no price tags on what the rebuild would cost.