Victorian country football and netball clubs receive funding for upgrades

More than $2.5 million from the Victorian Government’s 2022-23 Country Football and Netball Program will be distributed among 11 new projects delivering new change rooms, new lighting and upgraded ovals at country football and netball clubs.

Grant recipients include LB Davern Reserve, home of the Wandong Warriors Junior Football Club, which is receiving $195,000 to upgrade and reshape the sporting oval and install new drainage.

President of Wandong Junior Football Club Stuart Fraser shared “this project will deliver vital upgrades that will provide the youth of Wandong more participation opportunities.”

Home of the Bullioh Bulldogs Netball and Football Clubs, Wyeeboo Recreation Reserve has scored $250,000 to build a brand-new clubhouse. This will feature new female friendly changerooms, a disability change space, social space, and new canteen – bringing the wider Tallangatta Valley community together.

In Port Fairy, $250,000 is being provided to upgrade the oval and netball court lighting at Gardens Reserve – extending time on the court and the oval for the Port Fairy Seagulls.

The Program is a partnership with the AFL, AFL Victoria, and Netball Victoria. Since 2005, more than $37.5 million has been invested in more than 560 projects across the state.

Head of AFL Victoria Ben Kavenagh added “The Country Football and Netball Program continues to play an important role in helping clubs and communities across Victoria develop new and upgraded facilities.”

Victorian Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence noted “Country football and netball clubs are the heart and soul of Victorian communities. Programs like these ensure they remain an integral part of regional life.”

The Victorian Budget 2023-24 is providing more than $213 million to deliver new and improved community sport infrastructure and support initiatives that boost participation and inclusion in local sports clubs and organisations. It’s part of the more than $1.9 billion invested in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014. For latest information about the program and successful grant recipients visit https://sport.vic.gov.au/

Image. Credit: Wandong Warriors Junior Football Club Facebook