Victorian Government helps sports clubs recover from theft and natural disaster

For Victorian sports clubs that have either been affected by natural disaster or unforeseen events such as equipment theft, the State Government has announced support funding to be delivered through the Government’s Emergency Sporting Equipment Grants program.

Victorian Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence announced 23 Victorian clubs would receive a share in more than $38,000.

Grants were provided to help provide swift, practical support to get clubs up and running again in their time of need by replacing essential sports equipment lost through fires, theft and other setbacks.

Minister Spence notes “we’re proud to be helping clubs get back on their feet so they can continue doing what they do best – bringing communities together and helping people play the sport they love.

“This is about supporting clubs to return to normal operations quickly after suffering setbacks beyond their control.”

Grant recipients include Brunswick City Sports Club, which received $2,000 to replace essential first-aid equipment for the club to treat players after a break-in and theft.

Brunswick City Sports Club President, Peter Kyriopoulos added “the emergency grant we received enabled the club to replenish lost and damaged first-aid equipment, and continue our programs which promote health, safety and wellbeing.”

Other clubs to benefit include the TEDAS Junior Football Club which received $2,000 towards replacing protective injury shields essential for juniors to learn how to tackle without injury, and Sunbury BMX Club which had bikes and helmets stolen, preventing the club from offering equipment for families to try the sport.

Sunbury BMX Club member Shawn Hindmarsh shared “The emergency grant will allow us to get back on our feet and get back riding again. Importantly, it gives families a chance to try the sport if they cannot afford to buy equipment.”

The Government is also supporting more than 6,000 clubs, leagues, state associations and other organisations through the Community Sport Sector COVID-19 Survival Package, kicking in $50 million to support these key grassroots organisations.

The Government is giving all Victorians the opportunity to play the sports they love and embrace an active and healthy lifestyle in a COVIDSafe way.

For more information about the Sport and Recreation Emergency Sporting Equipment Grants and how they can help, visit sport.vic.gov.au.

Image courtesy Sunbury BMX Club