The Allan Labor Government is supporting local footy and netball clubs as they head towards the finals, with new grants to ensure more Victorians can play the sport they love close to home in regional Victoria.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today visited the home of the Barnawartha Tigers Football and Netball Club to announce applications for the latest round of the Labor Government's Country Football and Netball Program are now open.
Grants of up to $250,000 are available for regional and outer metropolitan councils to apply for grants for sports infrastructure developments including court lighting upgrades, changeroom overhauls, new pavilions and more, to benefit their local clubs and communities.
Successful recipients in recent years include the Hepburn Shire Council which received $250,000 for netball court and oval lighting upgrades at Daylesford Football Netball Club, and $250,000 for Hindmarsh Shire Council to upgrade Nhill and District Sporting Club's home ground at Davis Park.
Developed in partnership with the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria, the program has invested more than $40 million and delivered more than 575 projects since 2005.
The Labor Government's Country Football and Netball Program is part of more than $23 million invested in this year's budget and more than $2.3 billion invested since 2014 to deliver world class community sport infrastructure and programs that increase participation and improve accessibility for more Victorians.
Applications close on Monday, 30 September 2024. For more information on the program and to apply, visit sport.vic.gov.au/funding.
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
"Regional sports clubs and communities depend on their home ground facilities not only to host big games but to bring communities together, which is why we are focused on delivering quality sporting facilities across Victoria."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"This program is a game changer for regional Victoria ensuring communities have the facilities they need for important community events like local footy and netball here in Barnawartha."
As stated by the Head of AFL Victoria Greg Madigan
"Good facilities are pivotal to ensuring people can participate in and enjoy the game of Australian Rules Football, at all levels. AFL Victoria thanks the Victorian Government for its ongoing support of community sport in regional areas through the Country Football and Netball Program, which allows local clubs and communities to benefit from new or upgraded facilities that are welcoming, inclusive and bring people together."
As stated by CEO of Netball Victoria Andrea Pearman
"Sport is the lifeblood of our regional communities, and we thank the Victorian Government for their support in delivering safer, more inclusive netball facilities right across the state. We know how important community sport is in fostering connection, and this program means more opportunities for more Victorians to participate in our game."
