State Government funding on its way to back Outdoors Great Southern hiking program

A further $23,500 of State Government funding has been allocated to Outdoors Great Southern to run its Outdoor Families Project. The contribution was announced as part of $188,000 to be shared by 10 WA organisations as part of the Hiking Participation Grants Program. The program is designed to support eligible organisations encourage the growth of safe hiking, trail running and bushwalking in creative ways to Western Australian’s of all ages, ability and background. Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman said WA was lucky to have “the most wonderful trails and bush walks on our doorstep.” “We know hiking has a positive impact on individuals, communities, and the State; from improving mental health, to economic benefits of getting people visiting different parts of WA,” he said. “The Hiking Participation Grants Program improves entry-level opportunities and also projects that develop skills for independent hiking. “This results in youth, people with disability and multicultural community members getting involved in one of WA’s much-loved pastimes that should be accessible for everyone.” The Bibbulman Track Foundation was also a successful grant applicant. It will receive the maximum grant allocation of $25,000 to go towards community celebrations for the track’s 25th anniversary. The OGS-run program is the second to be boosted by the promise of more State Government funding in recent weeks. Its Expedition Great Southern program, targeted at high school students, was allocated $30,000 in late January as part of the State’s Outdoor Active Recreation Participation Grants Program.