Located in Katherine, Northern Territory a little over 300km from the capital of Darwin, the club has come from the brink to now be a small hub for BMX action in the top end. In early 2016 the decision was made to demolish the club’s existing track, which had fallen into disrepair and replace it with something that would attract new competitors to the sport. At the time the NT government injected $27,000 into the facility, and approximately $75,000 of in-kind work was provided by the local business community. Fast-forward the clock to June this 2019 and the recently reinvigorated club has again been a major beneficiary of government assistance. This time, the sum has soared to $113,044 for track lighting. The funding comes as a part of the NT Government’s ‘Community Benefit Fund’ (CBF) grants, which are funded from taxes on poker machines in the NT. News of the funding for the club was a welcome relief after they had suffered at the hands of thieves in May. Thankfully the majority of stolen goods were returned, albeit some damaged. That hiccup aside, Big Rivers BMX Club has had a forceful re-entry into BMX since 2016. Part of their rapid return has been the assistance provided by fellow Territorian clubs – particularly Jingili BMX Club and Satellite City BMX Club. Jingili had donated riding gear when the Big Rivers got going again, while Satellite City generously sent their old track rolling car south to Big Rivers in early June. In return, Big Rivers riders made their way to Darwin to support Satellite City who hosted round three of the 2018 BMXA National Series, much to the delight of their riders and event organisers alike. Unfortunately, our club was hit hard in 2019 with vandalism and break and enters totalling almost 1 per month. But we are bouncing back, stronger than ever for our community and our amazing members. We have also been presented an amazing opportunity with a Major Grant from CBF in late 2019 to the sum of $189,751.00 to Sic Surface our track, create spectator fencing and remedy the drainage complications. This will help to make 2020 our best year yet! Credit: BMXA - Big Rivers, Big Gains 2018 Other Newspaper ArticlesBig Rivers BMX Club - Katherine Times
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