High fuel costs a 'kick in the guts' for country clubs, but the game must go on
Rising fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict are making it increasingly difficult for regional families to afford travel costs for children's winter sports. Despite the financial strain, many families and clubs are finding ways to keep participating, recognizing the importance of sports for mental health and community connection. Some clubs have introduced buses and carpooling initiatives to help reduce the burden on families.
- ▪High fuel prices have forced families in regional Australia to travel long distances for sports, with some trips exceeding 1,300 kilometers round trip.
- ▪The Wirrulla Sport and Recreation Club in South Australia introduced a bus service to help families afford netball training and games.
- ▪Families are cutting costs by packing meals and water, while clubs emphasize the social and mental health benefits of maintaining sports participation.
- ▪Club officials note that weekend sports serve as vital community hubs, especially in isolated rural areas.
- ▪Volunteers and clubs are encouraging carpooling and shared transport to mitigate the financial impact of rising fuel costs.
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Thu, 14 May76117→Fri, 15 May8175→Fri, 15 May9873→Sat, 16 May13365→Sat, 16 May12081→Sat, 16 May7462→Live4285→Live0.0 00.0 0→Sun, 17 May18:15--→Thu, 21 May19:30--→Fri, 22 May19:40--→Fri, 22 May20:30--→Sat, 23 May13:15--→Sat, 23 May16:15--→Sat, 23 May16:35--→Sat, 23 May19:35--→Sun, 24 May12:30--→Sun, 24 May15:15--→ AFL Score Centre High fuel prices hurting regional families taking kids to sporting fixturesBy Jodie Hamilton and Elloise Farrow-SmithABC Eyre PeninsulaTopic:Oil and GasWed 29 Apr 2026 at 4:41pmWed 29 Apr 2026 at 4:41pmWed 29 Apr 2026 at 4:41pmJessica Omond is worried she may not be able to afford to take her three children to netball training and games.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).