The Allan Labor Government is backing Victoria's exciting next generation of First Nations athletes by rolling out more grants for uniforms, equipment, and travel for sports carnivals around the state.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced a new round of grants for the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program.
From the AFLW to the recent Paris Olympics and Paralympics, the performances of First Nations athletes on the big stage are an inspiration to all Victorians.
The program delivers grants of up to $1,000 for team uniforms and equipment, and up to $2,500 for travel costs so clubs can participate in both Victorian and national tournaments.
Individuals can also access up to $250 to purchase sporting uniforms and equipment, and up to $750 for their own travel costs.
This grant program is part of the Labor Government's strong support for the Victorian Aboriginal community, alongside the new Victorian Aboriginal Sporting Partnership which is creating more opportunities in the community sport sector for Aboriginal athletes.
Previous recipients include the Goulburn Valley Aboriginal Education Consultative Inc which scored more than $3,200 for travel costs to support their junior footy and netball teams to compete at the 2024 Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Ltd (VACSAL) State-wide Junior Football/Netball Carnival in Bendigo.
The Indigenous Golf Association received $1,000 for uniforms for 10 golfers to compete at the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Championships in Tweed Heads in October last year.
Since 2020, the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program has provided more than 460 grants to community sport clubs and individuals in Victoria's Indigenous communities.
Applications for this round are open until 11.59pm on 4 March 2025. For more information go to sport.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
"These grants support our next generation of Aboriginal athletes to play the sports they love and follow in the footsteps of legendary athletes like Cathy Freeman and Australian cricketer Scott Boland."
As stated by Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins
"Sport is a great cultural connector and the lifeblood of Victorian communities. These grants provide even more opportunity for our Aboriginal Victorians to realise their sporting dreams."
