The Lower Clarence Magpies will be installing more grandstand seating, similar to that in the background, at its Yamba home ground, following the receipt of a $15,846 Australian Government Stronger Communities Program. Magpies president Bruce Howard is picture with Page MP Kevin Hogan. Image: Geoff Helisma

Geoff Helisma The Lower Clarence Magpie Rugby League Club has an enormous task ahead of it: improving amenity for patrons at its Yamba home ground – to match those the club previously enjoyed at Maclean showground – will take considerable time and effort. On Monday, the Australian Government came to the party with a $15,0846 grant, which will provide grandstand seating for “roughly 200 people to be seated in comfort”, says the club’s newly elected president Bruce Howard. “It’s a daunting task,” Mr Howard said of the job ahead of the club. “This will benefit the senior and junior clubs. It will give the parents and players, who spend extended time down here, a little bit of comfort. “It’s the beginning of a building phase here for the clubs combined, creating a new home for the Magpies. “It’s unfortunate that the senior club had to leave the Maclean district, but it is what is; we’re here now and we have to make the best of it – we see our future here.” Mr Hogan said he was happy to be able to assist the club “rebuild again”. “I like this grant program, the Stronger Communities Program, it helps small clubs and organisations,” he said. “The Magpies are matching the funding [dollar for dollar].”