Mount Gambier City Council will increase its 2024 season sponsorship to the Pioneers Basketball Club by $15,000.
Council received a request to increase its annual sponsorship from $25,000 to $40,000 following discussion at council’s May monthly meeting.
City Infrastructure general manager Barabara Cernovskis tabled a report that included an 18-page ‘Community Partner Proposal’ seeking a two-year investment from council at a commitment of $40,000 per financial year.
The funding would cover further costs associated with hosting NBL1 games and all costs associated with providing audio at the home games until such time as a more permanent audio solution can be found.
At present, the cost to provide the sound and audio is $800 per game.
With 11 home games, this amounts to $8800 for the 2024 season.
“The request impacts both 2023-24 and 2024-25 financial years and comes to a conservative total in the vicinity of $103,000,” Ms Cernovskis said.
Ms Cernovskis suggested council holistically consider the level of financial support provided, community needs and aspirations and the provision of sporting and recreational support aligned with council’s strategic priorities.
“Council could consider the request for $40,000 support for the 2024-25 financial year could be referred to Round 1 of the Grant Fund application process for assessment noting there will be other competing applications that council may wish to support,” she said.
“The request for council to cover the costs associated with the audio and sound of home games in the 2025 financial year could also be referred to round 1 of the grant fund application process for assessment.
“Alternatively, council may pre-allocate the amount from the grant fund, or may choose to increase the deficit position of council’s budget at year end.
“Should request for additional funding in the current 2023-24 financial year be granted, a budget adjustment will be required to the amount of $15,000.”
The Pioneers have a national profile and as such Ms Cernovskis said the club contributes to the economic and tourism outcomes of the city.
“Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre has quickly become a thriving hub for sporting and community activities and events,” she said.
“The activation of the centre by the Pioneers positively enhances the profile of both the club, the centre and Mount Gambier more generally.
“The Pioneers continue to be a very successful club with strong community support, and the activation of Wulanda on an ongoing basis aligns to the objectives of the centre.”
In March council resolved to contribute up to $8000 from the existing Pioneers budget allocation of $25,000 to support a temporary sound system for the 2024 season, and an additional allocation of up to $3600 in the event the Pioneers men and/or women are successful with hosting the 2024 season finals and an Adelaide 36ers game.
It was resolved that council only considered financial support for the current 2024 Pioneers season.
An elected member’s workshop will be conducted before the end of November 2024 to discuss council’s overall contribution to the Pioneers Basketball Club sponsorship.
Council will also use this as an opportunity to discuss the club’s access to Wulanda and invite representatives of Pioneers and Belgravia to provide council information.
