GAME days in Port Douglas will be greatly improved with the Crocs AFL Club receiving an $11,484 grant through the Australian Government’s Stronger Communities Programme to erect a new electronic scoreboard, says Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch.

It comes just weeks after the Port Douglas Reef Raiders secured a $5800 grant for their much-needed new scoreboard, with both clubs contributing a matching level of support through either cash or in-kind contributions.

Mr Entsch said: “I’m thrilled that these two important local clubs are the first in our region to benefit from our Stronger Communities Programme, which is designed to help fund small capital projects that will make a real difference to community participation and cohesion.

“Through offering these smaller grants for projects, it’ll boost the vibrancy and livability of our communities and help the entire region continue to grow and flourish.”

Port Douglas Crocs AFL Club Vice President Chris Bradsworth said the new electronic scoreboard, which will be built in NSW and transported up to Port Douglas, will be a huge boon for the club.

“It’ll mean more of our volunteers can be put to better use at the club, which will help us to grow overall,” said Mr Bradsworth.

“The old scoreboard is fairly worn, so it’ll be good to be able to bring new things into the club. Having a time clock that actually works will be sensational! They take 6-8 weeks to build, so we hope to have it installed before the first home game on 9th April.”

The Stronger Communities Programme is supported in the Douglas region through Building Active Connected Communities (BaCC) – an initiative of the Bendigo Bank established in 2009.

Stephen Devenish from BaCC said: “We’re proud to be involved with Warren and the Stronger Communities Programme to help deliver funding to the projects and community groups who are doing great things here in the Far North.

“BaCC receives a commission on any banking activities made at Bendigo Bank by local not-for-profit organisations, their members and supporters – with all the income being returned to the community to complement their other fundraising activities.

“So far we’ve generated more than $800,000 for over 200 organisations in Cairns, Kuranda, Mossman and Port Douglas, and I’d encourage any group in need of funding to get in touch with us to discuss how we can help out,” said Mr Devenish.