AWARDS

Wests Group Macarthur will supercharge the grassroots rugby league conference across the Macarthur region with the execution of a $350,000 funding arrangement of the combined Wests Tigers Macarthur Junior Rugby League and Group 6 Rugby League conference for the upcoming 2024 season.

The commitment for the betterment of the Macarthur Rugby League Community will be made via the ClubGRANTS scheme will once again support 23 Clubs with a footprint encompassing Campbelltown, Liverpool, Camden and Wingecarribee comprising close to 500 teams and over 8,500 players and continues to be the largest financial commitment to any sporting code made by Wests Group Macarthur.

In an area of significant population and participation growth but also high disadvantage, Wests Group Macarthur has increased funding YOY to a total of $350,000 targeting Campbelltown and Camden in recognition of cost pressures on families, the growth of the participants in the region, and the increasing operational expenses tied to inflation. The aim is to provide cost relief to families and alleviate registration and game day costs with Insurance subsidies and shorts and socks rebates for around 6,000 junior league participants, with funding also extending toward the covering of Referee fees.

Not only does the partnership represent equivalent savings per family of $60 per Junior League participant, but Wests Group Macarthur also acts a backbone of the league through in-kind activity supporting meetings, events, vouchers, and the inclusion of Macarthur Rugby League within the Wests Sports Council.

New South Wales Rugby League continues to govern and act as the operational body for Group 6 and Wests Tigers Macarthur JRL in the Macarthur region which is now the second largest grassroots Rugby League network in NSW (second only to Penrith), with the vision of providing future growth opportunities and pathways to unearth the next Rugby League superstar.

Chairman of the Wests Tigers JRL Board Daniel Draper, comments “Wests Group Macarthur have been on the journey with us for many years with their gracious support to our community and we thank them for their continued support. This commitment goes a long way to aiding families to more affordable, easy, well-administered access to rugby league in the region”.

Chairman of the Group 6 Junior Rugby League, Mark Dooner adds, “The Macarthur Conference allows more efficient competitions for players of varying ability and better opportunity for recruitment and retention of current players”.

NSW Rugby League CEO David Trodden expressed his gratitude to Wests Group Macarthur for their support of the game and their community, “Sincere thanks to Chairperson Alan Buxton, Chief Executive Officer Daniel Perkiss and the rest of the board who continue to not only believe in the role our sport plays to enhance healthy communities but also the role strong junior participation plays for future player development and pathways in Rugby League”.

Chairman of Wests Group Macarthur Alan Buxton says of the funding, “Rugby League has been the beating heart of Wests Group Macarthur since inception in 1974. Being able to support the past, present, and future of the game within Macarthur is a privilege we take seriously, and we are pleased to see the local conference continue to grow in 2024. It is fitting as we celebrate 50 years in this community in 2024 that we remain steadfast in our focus to grow and foster rugby league in the region. We are also privileged that thanks to our members we can deliver funding via our ClubGRANTS community development and support activities programs”.

At the heart of Western Suburbs League Club, the flagship venue in Wests Group portfolio, is a historic connection with Rugby League and the Group 6 Rugby League competition – with the club originally built to support Campbelltown’s oldest rugby league team, the Campbelltown City Kangaroos with origins back to 1908.

The region has a great track record of producing Rugby League talent including new young gun recruit Lachlan Galvin (Eagle Vale St Andrews / Camden Rams / Mt Annan Knights) True Blues Ryan Hoffman (Campbelltown Collegians), Anthony Minichiello (East Valley United) from Macarthur as well as James Tedesco (Camden Rams) from Group 6.

The Launch took place at Campbelltown Stadium during the Wests Tigers vs St George Dragons Campbelltown Home Game on Sunday 14^th April. The Match, supported by Wests Group Macarthur saw up to 80 Junior League participants from across the greater Macarthur region, participating in pre-game mini-games and half-time relays run with New South Wales Rugby League, National Rugby League, and Wests Tigers Community team with a huge home crowd and atmosphere providing a great experience for local junior club representatives.

Wests would like to acknowledge the following key stakeholders in this partnership including Wests Group Macarthur Chairman – Alan Buxton, Wests Group Macarthur Chief Executive Officer – Daniel Perkiss, President/s of the Group 6 Rugby League – Grahame Andrews (Seniors) and Mark Dooner, Chairman of Group 6 JRL, Chairman of Wests Tigers Macarthur JRL – Daniel Draper and CEO of New South Wales Rugby League – David Trodden.

For more on the Wests Sports Council and Wests Group commitment to being the Home of Sport visit www.westslc.com.au/Sport

Contact:

Wests Group Macarthur

Katie Petkovski

Group Marketing & Communications Manager

P (02) 4628 4188 | D (02) 4634 5683| E katiep@westslc.com.au

NSW Rugby league

Tyrone Collins

Zone Manager – Central Sydney & Macarthur

P 0425 351 473 E tcollins@nswrl.com.au