Stockhorse Society Gives Old Silkwood Soccer Grounds New Lease of Life

New lessees of Councill’s old Silkwood soccer grounds have breathed life back into the facility, attracting over 500 visitors at the recent Silkwood Campdraft with more events being planned.

Hinchinbrook Branch Australian Stockhorse Society was granted a 10-year lease with Council which commenced 1 August 2024. The new long-term lease agreement with the Hinchinbrook Branch is a welcome opportunity for Silkwood and the region and is set to bring in economic gains as well as community benefits.  It has also given the branch the area needed to expand their club to host more events and initiatives for horse enthusiasts.

Talena Young Secretary of the Branch was pleased with the success of the event held on the last weekend of August, stating there were 170 competitors with 720 runs.

“People travelled from all over FNQ. We had people from Croydon, Normanton, Charters Towers, Proserpine, Laura, Georgetown and everywhere in between. Our youngest rider was 2 and our oldest was in his 70’s.”

“We’re excited to establish this Campdraft event as an annual highlight, taking place every year on the last weekend of August,” said Telena Young, Secretary of Hinchinbrook Branch Australian Stockhorse Society.

“Looking ahead, we would like to expand next year’s program to include smaller competitions and horse sports that will engage local kids and make the most of our facility.

“We also have plans to upgrade the facility which will mean we can introduce events like bull rides and rodeos.  We will be applying for Council’s current grant round for Community Infrastructure to assist with the essential upgrades.”

Council leases over 50 facilities to not-for-profit organisations and clubs throughout the Cassowary Coast that benefit the community through sport or well-being activities. The Community Infrastructure Program Stream aims to support these eligible organisations to assist in facility upgrades and maintenance.

Community Infrastructure Program Stream funding information for eligible applicants:

• Minor Community Infrastructure Grant ($0 - $2,000): No co-contribution required.
• Minor Community Infrastructure Grant ($2,001 - $5,000): 10% co-contribution, either in-kind or financial.
• Major Community Infrastructure Grant ($5,001 - $30,000): 20% co-contribution, with at least 10% being financial.

Eligible projects include:

• Sports facilities like lighting, goal posts, and scoreboards;
• Upgrades to buildings, fences, grandstands, shade structures, seating, and shelters; and
• Refurbishing existing facilities

To find out more about the Community Infrastructure Program as well as other grants available to the local community visit www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/funding-grants For further information contact Council at 1300 763 903 or email enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.