Biathlon, Swimming and Football Netball clubs among recipients of latest Victorian Government funding

The Victorian Government is continuing its support of community clubs across the state to ensure they have the facilities and equipment needed with the latest round of Sporting Club Grants Program seeing 560 recipients share in more than $694,000,

A $1,000 grant will also help Healesville Swimming Club develop website content to reduce volunteer workload and strengthen membership connections.

$4,000 will go towards East Gippsland Biathlon Club’s launch of their rollerskiing and laser biathlon youth program.

Secretary of East Gippsland Biathlon Club Cameron Morton shared “Receiving this grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria provides us with funding we wouldn't normally have access to and the ability to provide more summer, winter and modified biathlon programs through far East Gippsland.”

Epping Football Netball Club received $1,000 towards the purchase of women’s football jumpers, while Warburton Bowls Club scored $1,000 towards adaptable equipment for all-abilities bowls and Wantirna South Cricket Club and Craigieburn Basketball Association Inc both received $2,000 to upskill volunteer junior coaching staff.

President of the Epping Football Netball Club Adrian Onofretchook adds "It's been a long-time getting a women's side together, but it's finally going to happen. Now local women will have somewhere to socialise and keep fit doing it."

The Program provides up to $1,000 for uniforms, equipment and resources that improve accessibility and engagement; up to $2,000 for projects to strengthen volunteering and officiating; up to $4,000 to deliver a new sport or recreation program and up to $750 to support athlete travel.

The Sporting Club Grants Program has injected more than $16 million in support to thousands of community sport and recreation clubs across the state since 2015.

By providing more opportunities for clubs and organisations to build their capacity, this program goes a long way towards future proofing grassroots sport and recreation and ensuring clubs have the skills they need to take their game to the next level.

A new round of the Sporting Club Grants Program is also set to open in the coming weeks. For more information on the grants and a full list of recipients sport.vic.gov.au 

Victorian Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence notes “Clubs, coaches, officials and volunteers are integral to community sport, and it just wouldn’t happen without them.

“That’s why we’re backing more clubs with help to purchase uniforms and equipment, and investing in their future through training and development.

“This is about helping to boost memberships, supporting volunteers and getting behind grassroots sport, which is a vital part of local communities.”

Image top: Healesville Swimming Club; image centre: East Gippsland Biathlon Club; image below: Epping Football Netball Club