TWO St George community groups will receive a share of $64,435 from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.

St George Jockey Club will be able to install shade covers with a grant of $34,026, while the St George Aboriginal Housing Company will receive a grant of $34,409 to purchase gym equipment and install air-conditioning.

St George Jockey Club president Josh Vickers said it had been four years of tireless efforts to numerous funding sources before the grant was finally approved.

"It's a grant we've been trying to get for a long time, so we were very happy to hear the news that it was finally going ahead,” he

said.

Mr Vickers said the new shade covers would be implemented over the children's playground and bookies ring to protect those using the facilities from sun exposure.

"Two other clubs will benefit from it as well as us, including the St George Pony Club and St George polocrosse, so it will be a really great thing for the whole community,” he said.

"It will keep the sun off the kids wanting to play when the parents are out there doing working bees.

"With all the knowledge we have now about how damaging frequent sun exposure can be, it's important we do everything we can to protect ourselves.”

Mr Vickers hoped the shade covers would be ready before Christmas next year, in time for their New Year's event.

"The sooner the better, we're just looking forward to getting it done,” he said.

"It's been a long time coming and a real team effort getting this grant.”