The East Gippsland Sports Foundation is an example of how people and business can work together to provide assistance to young people to fulfill their dreams.

Excellence in sport is as Australian as a koala or a kangaroo - it is part of the Australian psyche, heritage and sense of purpose. There is barely a sport in which Australia and where challenges still remain we are happy to 'give it a go'.

In East Gippsland we have young people who participate in a diverse range of sports and who have the potential, in time, to represent their country.

Unfortunately, many of them do not have the resources to achieve their dreams as well as which the so-called tyranny of distance and the costs of travel makes it even more difficult for them.

The East Gippsland Sports Foundation was formed with these youngsters in mind.

Over the period we have been raising money the Foundation has been greatly encouraged by the support of local businesses that have contributed generously along with a number of key individuals who have given tirelessly of their time.

Sadly the same cannot be said for either the Federal or Victorian State Government. Despite a number of approaches to Ministers, each of whom has given plenty of verbal encouragement, not one cent has been forthcoming.

This is a matter of considerable disappointment and though I am loathe to say it, it appears that because we are remote from a city centre and without a large population (of voters) both governments can comfortably ignore our needs.

We will, of course, continue our efforts in both political arenas and we ask that anyone who has the capacity or the ability to reach relevant Members of Parliament to plea the cause of our young sports men and women.

In the meantime, I thank those who have supported the East Gippsland Sports Foundation and encourage others who have an interest in seeing young people achieve their dreams to come aboard through our Debenture program.

Harvey Bates, MBE
Chairman