The Allan Labor Government is supporting more First Nations athletes to go further on and off the pitch through a range of grants for uniforms, equipment, travel and participation in sport carnivals.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today launched the latest round of the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program, which delivers grants of up to $2,500 for junior teams and $1,500 for senior teams towards travel and accommodation costs to participate in Victorian or national Aboriginal sporting carnivals and tournaments, as well as up to $1,000 to cover team uniforms and sport equipment.
Eligible individuals can access up to $250 per person to purchase sporting uniforms and equipment, and up to $750 for travel and accommodation.
The previous round of the program delivered 48 grants to organisations across the state including the Lake Tyers Health and Childrens Services Association which received $3,000 to help the East Gippsland All Blacks football and netball senior teams to play in the VACSAL Statewide Senior Football and Netball Carnival in Torquay.
First Nations Calisthenics Club in Heidelberg West received $2,500 to assist six female junior representatives to showcase their talents at Calichamp Tournaments, which took place at different venues across the state.
The Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program is part of the Labor Government's work supporting the Victorian Aboriginal community and its sport sector, giving more than 400 grants totalling more than $540,000 to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, sporting clubs and associations.
Funding applications are open until Monday, 15 April. For more information or to apply visit sport.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
"From Cathy Freeman to Patty Mills, Aboriginal athletes have done us proud on and off the field and this program will inspire our next generation to follow in their footsteps."
"I encourage community-based sporting clubs, Aboriginal organisations, local participants, volunteers and passionate communities to take advantage of this opportunity to nurture the careers of aspiring Aboriginal champions."
As stated by Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins
"Every professional athlete embarks on their sporting journey at the grassroots level. This initiative aims not only to empower First Nations athletes to pursue excellence in sports but also harnesses their remarkable talents and contributions to make a positive impact on community sport."
"I invite applications from Aboriginal athletes, sporting clubs, organisations and communities so we can best support their sporting achievements."
As stated by First Nations Calisthenics Club President Rebecca Taylor
"We see many of our players traveling great distances to do the club proud, so we are truly grateful to now be in a position to help fund the costs of petrol and accommodation."
"The Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program has been a great support to our participants and has enabled our girls to participate in statewide competitions, celebrate culture and remain connected to our communities."
