HAWKESBURY High School’s basketball courts will be brought into the 21st century thanks to a $20,000 grant from the federal government.
The grant will go towards resurfacing and remarking the currently cracked and uneven courts, as well as providing new backboards.
Hawkesbury High’s new principal, Igor Maric, said the kids are stoked about the courts, which hadn’t been upgraded since the school was built in the 1980s. He said the courts will also be available for use by the community.
“The P&C has worked hard to secure this grant which will not only secure a great resource for our students, but also enhance wider community partnerships and engagements,” Mr Maric said.
Work will begin soon on the new courts, and the school is hoping they will be completed in April. Mr Maric said the upgrades align with the school’s strategic goals to build connections with the community.
“I see the school as a community hub for use by the entire community, not just the students. It’s part of the school direction to open up the school to the community,” he said.
The money was allocated to the school’s P&C through the Stronger Communities funding program, which granted $150,000 to the Macquarie electorate.
Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, congratulated P&C Secretary, Sandy Whitney, on the successful grant application.
“We all know how important it is for our kids to be doing sports in schools in order to succeed in the classroom. These refurbished courts will mean the students of Hawkesbury High students can start the year with a slam dunk,” Ms Templeman said.
“The success of this grant application shows how vital an active P&C is in creating the best possible school environment for our children.
“I want to congratulate the hardworking Hawkesbury High School P&C for all their effort in pursuing this grant and the PE teachers and community who have supported them.”
More than 100 applications were submitted and considered by a local, independent panel, chaired by Ms Templeman. Twenty groups were successful, and they are required to match the Federal funds.
“As always, if your community group needs assistance in gaining access to grants and funding, please get in contact with my office and we will assist you as best we can,” Ms Templeman said.
Stronger Communities grants will continue to be awarded through to the end of February.