AFTER suffering from the fallout of the coronavirus, a local sporting club has received much-needed financial support from the local council to help them over the other side of COVID-19.
The Loxton District Bowling Club was one of three local sporting clubs to have its rate remission request approved by the District Council of Loxton Waikerie last month.
A remission of $947 for the April 1 to September 30, 2020, period was asked of the council, with the club expecting its income to be reduced to less than $5000 following COVID-19.
“We haven’t been able to trade because of the COVID-19 situation,” said Peter Madden, Loxton District Bowling Club treasurer.
“Any help we can get, which the council provided by cancelling the rates for that quarter, is beneficial for the long-term aspect of the club.”
Operations of the bowling club ceased at the end of March, with the club forced to subsequently cancel its major fundraising activities, including its lawn bowl competitions, bowls carnivals, dinners, and conduction of funerals and community events.
As a result, the club estimates revenue for this year would be starkly different from the $34,680 profits generated in 2019.
Mr Madden said the club has been “basically running on a shoestring”, but is positive the club will see its way through this challenging time.
“At the moment, we are able to trade, but not the full capacity as what we were before,” he said.
“So it will still be a bit of a struggle going forward, but when we start playing games against the other towns and that kind of stuff, it’ll be better – more money around for the club.
“We’ll see our way through it – we won’t close down or anything silly.”
District Council of Loxton Waikerie CEO David Beaton said it was important for the council to keep all businesses viable, especially through COVID-19, the drought, and everything else the region has had.
“They’ve had no income because of the COVID-19 and their facilities have been shut down, (so) it’s important that there’s a level of support from the council, and an understanding of what businesses are going through,” he said.
“We’re hopeful that what’s happening in Victoria won’t transfer into South Australia, and we can get all our businesses up and running, and that we can try and put some stimulus into the local economy.”