First Nations athletes continue to receive support from Victorian Government

First Nations athletes continue to receive support from the Victorian Government through a range of grants for uniforms, equipment and travel costs to sports carnivals.

48 teams, athletes and sport organisations will receive a grant from the latest round of the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program.

Sharing in more than $170,000 - grant recipients include the Mildura Basketball Association scoring over $11,000 for 17 players, ages 10 to 17, to participate in the Mildura Heat Junior Representative program at tournaments in Mildura, Swan Hill, Geelong, Shepparton, Bendigo and Adelaide over the summer season.

Yakapna Sporting Club in Shepparton also secured $5,000 towards the under 12 girls netball and under 17 boys football teams to participate in the VACSAL Junior State-wide Aboriginal Football Netball Carnival in Geelong.

Chairperson of Yakapna Sporting Club in Shepparton Graham Briggs shared “This grant will make a significant difference to Yakapna Sporting Club and the community it serves in several ways.

“It will make a substantial difference by providing a safer and more enjoyable environment for community members to engage in sport and recreational activities and Increased opportunities for our Youth. With the funding, the club can expand its youth programs, including coaching and mentorship initiatives.”

The Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program is part of the Government’s strong commitment to supporting the Victorian Aboriginal community and building stronger connections within the community sport sector.

Since 2020 the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program has provided more than 410 grants, totalling more than $482,000 to Aboriginal Community Controlled Originations and sporting clubs and associations.

For more information about the program and the latest successful recipients visit sport.vic.gov.au.