Sporting clubs, community groups and health service providers are set to benefit after Indigo Shire Council awarded $30,000 in funding through its annual Get Active Indigo Grants Program on Tuesday night.
The program provides financial assistance to local clubs and organisations developing innovative programs to get locals active and moving more often.
Of a total 20, 11 applicants were successful in securing a share of the $30,000 in funding, which will see a range of initiatives implemented including new competitions, programming that encourages all ages and female participation, and small equipment and infrastructure upgrades to support participation and club prosperity.
The nine unsuccessful applicants were all referred to different grant streams.
Libby Day, one of this year's successful grant applicants, is thrilled to now be able to establish a brand new Pickleball club and competition for Beechworth and its surrounds.
"Pickleball is becoming increasingly popular because it is accessible, achievable, and fun. It can be played at all stages of life and fitness levels. Our objective is to get more people moving, more often and to improve the community's access to physical activities, so we're grateful that this funding will now enable us to do so," Ms Day says.
Mayor Sophie Price says Council is proud to support a program that contributes so much to helping local communities to be active and connect with each other.
"This funding program supports our local sporting organisations and health providers, many made up of volunteers, to deliver initiatives that greatly benefit the health and wellbeing of our community. The benefits are widespread and long-lasting."
Cr Price was particularly pleased with the diversity of applications, saying whether its yoga, Pickleball, bowls, dancing or golf, there are plenty of options right across the Shire for people looking to make new connections and get fit and healthy.
"It's fantastic to see new initiatives supported so that there's a larger variety of options to get active across the Shire, but equally, this program also supports our established clubs and organisations, which for many of our townships, are the backbone of our communities."
FULL LIST OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS
| Applicant | Project | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Kiewa Sandy Creek Football Netball Club | Junior netball equipment | $1,000 |
| Rutherglen Golf Club | Par 3 golf course | $3,100 |
| Indigo North Health | Dancing and yoga program | $3,000 |
| Chiltern Tennis Club | Junior coaching program | $1,900 |
| Beechworth Health Service | Come and try sport expo | $3,250 |
| Beechworth Pickleball Club | Beechworth Pickleball competition | $2,000 |
| Balance Beechworth | All ages yoga program | $2,300 |
| Yackandandah Bowls Club | Junior and female bowls sets | $1,500 |
| Stanley Rural Community Incorporated | Community basketball rings | $2,200 |
| Rutherglen Football Club | Temporary female changeroom upgrades | $5,000 |
| Yack Tracks | Maintenance equipment storage | $4,000 |
| TOTAL | $30,000 |
