The centre will be using this grant to purchase new equipment for the high jump, shot put and discus events.

The Gunnedah centre is one of more than 160 centres to receive a grant, with funds coming from the sale of Coles' community chiller bags.

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Gunnedah Little Athletics Centre president Hayley Hausfeld said the grant would mainly be used for a new scissor mat used in the high jump event.

"Now that we've moved to Donnelly Playing Fields, we're operating out of a container, and we found the scissor mats we had were very awkward to get in and out of the containers," Ms Hausfeld said.

"These are smaller and are easily foldable, so that will help us get equipment out easier.

"We haven't had any new equipment for a while, so any new stuff will be used to help the children compete and train for their events."

Secretary Kate Hardy said the new equipment would mean a continual high-quality and safe weekly experience for the little athletes.

"The purchase of the new mat will make it easier for our helpers to assist each week," Ms Hardy said.

"Our region is currently suffering from the effects of the ongoing drought conditions, so the extra money will go a long way to helping us keep children and volunteers engaged in athletics," she said.

Ms Hausfeld said the old mats and other old equipment would be given to smaller club, Yetman Little Athletics.

The next Little Athletics season starts up again in September.

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