New Sport Volunteer Support partnership with Vicsport launched

Victoria’s sporting volunteers were recently celebrated at an event at the MCG in recognition of their outstanding contributions while it was also announced that more than $225,000 will be invested in a new Sport Volunteer Support partnership with Vicsport.

The state’s peak body for sport will engage volunteers and industry experts to develop videos and interactive materials focusing on recruitment, retention and recognition.

Vicsport Chief Executive Lisa Hasker advises “Volunteers are the backbone of community sport, this project will enable clubs to support volunteers to engage, return and remain in sport and support Victorians to be active.”

The plan is being designed in bid to encourage and support more volunteers to get involved with community sport clubs and associations as they rebuild following seasons disrupted by the pandemic.

Volunteers are the backbone of community sport, with an estimated 738,000 Victorians currently volunteering their time at clubs and associations.

In 2020 more than three million Australians donated their time and energy to community sport clubs, contributing up to $4 billion in economic, social and cultural benefits.

Victorian Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence notes “Grassroots clubs wouldn’t be the same without their volunteers and that’s why we’re supporting them with the resources they need so more people can get involved with the sports they love.

“After a challenging couple of years, it’s important to recognise the important role of volunteers and ensuring even more get involved with their local clubs.”

Heathmont Jets Football Netball Club Junior Club President Jo Heart-Parker adds “Volunteers need all the support we can get, and I would like to thank the Government for investing resources that can build our ranks so we can help the clubs we love.”

For more information this initiative visit sport.vic.gov.au.

Image: Heatmont Jets Football Netball Club