NSW GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS BID TO BRING BACK THE BEARS Monday 30 August 2010 The NSW Government has thrown its support behind the Central Coast community’s push to bring back the Central Coast Bears – investing $100,000 to support the club’s bid for a National Rugby League licence. The funding will allow the Bears to appoint a strategic business manager, who will develop a business case to press the NRL for the Bears to become the Central Coast’s Rugby League team. The project manager also will be involved in community consultation, market research, data and information collection and reporting on the overall economic and community benefits of securing a NRL licence. “The Central Coast is a region in its own right and we think it deserves its own team in the Rugby League,” NSW Premier Kristina Keneally said. “We’re proud to support the people of the Central Coast in their bid to bring back the Bears.” Local State Labor parliamentarians David Harris, Grant McBride and Marie Andrews welcomed the announcement. “The Central Coast is a fantastic place to work, live, and visit,” Mr Harris said. “The Central Coast is also among the top three “nursery” regions for junior rugby league – which means it plays a key role in the development of new players for the code. “A regional team in the NRL will further boost the profile of this great area, helping attract business and investment to the region.” “We’ve seen from the success of the Mariners what a strong local sporting team means to our community,” Ms Andrews said. “An NRL licence can create significant economic, social and sporting benefits for the Central Coast, generating job opportunities and drawing large volumes of people to the region on a regular basis.” Mr McBride said: “More than 15,000 Facebook fans, 1,800 financial members, a major sponsor in Mortgage House, local clubs and businesses are already onboard with the bid. “North Sydney Football Club is also backing the proposal, so now we just need to convince the NRL that the Central Coast Bears club is sustainable. “I’d encourage everyone on the Central Coast to get behind the proposal and help us bring back the Bears.” To join the call to bring back the Bears, become a Facebook fan of Central Coast Bears or visit www.centralcoastbears.com.au to become a member. .