Sporting clubs across Victoria will once again be backed by Allan Labor Government grants to help involve the community.
This year, the Sporting Club Grant Program will be rolling out over $1.2 million in 875 grants across 740 Victorian clubs.
The grants are provided to ensure involvement is more accessible to local club communities, supporting the purchase of equipment and uniforms; training for coaches, officials and volunteers; and improving accessibility and local engagement.
Surfing Victoria is one of the recipients, receiving $5,000 towards vital training in rescue and first aid across the Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island and Torquay through its Surfers Rescue 24/7 Boardriders Club Program.
Victorian International Optimist Dinghy Association is another recipient, which will now be able to provide registration costs, travel and accommodation for six of its athletes to compete in the Australian Optimist Championships in Queensland.
Other investments include new sporting precincts and playground redevelopments.
Over the past decade over $18 million has been awarded to clubs across Victoria by the Sporting Club Grants Program.
This program is supported by the Regional Community Sport Development Fund, which is driving infrastructure upgrades and other initiatives, such as the Regional Community Sport Infrastructure Fund, to help more regional Victorians get active and engage with their local sporting clubs.
Ros Spence, Minister for Community Sport said the funding was a major boost for clubs.
“We’re making sure clubs have the skills and equipment they need to thrive, and get more people involved,” she said.
“We want our local sporting clubs to be backing the next generation of local champions – and these grants provide them the chance to do just that.”
sport.vic.gov.au has further information, along with a full list of grant recipients.
Similarly, Ararat Rural City Council has announced the opening of applications for its own Community Grants Program for this year.
This program ensures the provision of events, programs, activities and projects by funding community-led endeavours with a view to increasing engagement across a range of initiatives across sports, arts, culture, environment and more.
Here, local groups can apply for grants of up to $5,000 across multiple categories.
Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Jo Armstrong said the council’s Community Grants Program is designed to provide outcomes that benefit the Ararat community.
“Throughout this program, we’ve seen some truly wonderful community projects brought to life and we look forward to supporting many more in 2025. I encourage all local community groups to take this opportunity to uplift their club or organisation and submit your proposals,” she said.
Applications for this program close at 5pm on 2 February this year. Further information can be found at ararat.vic.gov.au.
