31/12/05
Acting Premier Eric Ripper today announced that Lotterywest had given a record $163million back to the community in 2005.
Mr Ripper said $78million was given to hospitals, $10million to the arts and $10million to sports.
“A record $65million was returned to the Western Australian community through Lotterywest’s grants program,” the Acting Premier said.
Mr Ripper, who approves the grants, said Lotterywest was Australia’s only lottery with such a program.
“Among the Australian States, WA has a unique policy on gambling - with poker machines banned and electronic gaming machines restricted to Burswood Casino,” he said.
“In addition, no other State directs lottery profits to community purposes.
“In total, 1,253 grants were approved for 1,027 different charitable and community groups across the State.
“Highlights included $1million towards the development of WA’s first public cord blood bank and $63,000 to the David Wirrpunda Foundation to assist its work with young Aboriginal people.
“In October, the opening of the $1.6million Lotterywest State Biomedical Research Facility provided WA scientists with a state-of-the-art research facility into the genetic causes of diseases.”
Volunteer Marine Rescue groups, heritage buildings, and volunteer groups such as Volunteering WA, all benefited from Lotterywest grants during the year.
The Perth Festival and ScreenWest (the organisation which fosters WA’s film and television industry) were also major winners, each receiving $4million in Lotterywest support.
Acting Premier's office: 9222 8788
