School’s In For Community Sports Across WA
Public schools and local sporting groups across Western Australia are set to benefit from a $10 million investment by the WA Government, aimed at making community sport more inclusive and accessible – with the first recipients announced.
The Community Use of School Sporting Facilities (CUSSF) Program encourages partnerships and agreements between schools and community sporting groups to better utilise existing sporting facilities.
Announced in December 2024, the CUSSF Program has committed $10 million to helping community groups utilise public school facilities – including courts, ovals and sports halls by funding facility upgrades and improved sporting resources.
It is a part of PlayOn WA – the Cook Labor Government’s bold new initiative to help guide investment in community sport and recreation infrastructure across the State through to 2030.
By increasing access to school sporting facilities outside of school hours, the program will foster a greater sense of community connection and encourages further participation in local sport.
The program has so far awarded over $1.5 million in grants to 44 schools across eight different sporting codes, providing upgrades for local facilities, equipment and school resources.
Developed in partnership with the Department of Education and the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, the program is a key step toward building stronger, more active communities, increased participation in grassroots sport, and ensuring school facilities are used to their full potential.
The Cook Government continues to develop the CUSSF Program in consideration of community needs and will be seeking expressions of interest from schools to gauge interest in sports lighting infrastructure.
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
“The WA Government is determined to make sport and recreational activities more accessible to all Western Australians. By strengthening the ties between schools and sporting clubs through this program, we’re creating more opportunities to do just that.
“The Community Use of School Sporting Facilities Program is an investment by the WA Government – an investment in community sports, an investment in education, and an investment in our kids.
“We’re proud to be supporting local schools and sports clubs across Western Australia, and these upgrades will ensure our communities are set up for sporting success in the future.”
Comments attributed to Education Minister Sabine Winton:
“Whether it’s a weekend netball match or after-school football training, school grounds are where memories are made and friendships are formed.
“By investing in shared school facilities, we’re strengthening not just our education system but the fabric of our communities.
“This funding deepens the relationship between schools and sporting clubs and supports the kind of connected communities we all want to see.”
Recipients include:
Perth
South West
Mid West
Gascoyne
Great Southern
Goldfields-Esperance
Kimberley
https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook Labor Government/School