Tuesday, 11 July 2017

Sporting clubs in East and South Gippsland will receive a share in more than $500,000 in funding as part of the latest round of health promotion foundation VicHealth’s Active Club Grants, an initiative to encourage more Victorians to get physically active.

The funding will help local sport clubs across Victoria deliver more opportunities for women and girls to get involved in sport, and provide more social, flexible and accessible sport programs. The grants will also provide more opportunities for people from disadvantaged communities to take part in sport.

Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria Region said the grants, of up to $10,000 each, will make a significant difference to communities and help more local residents get involved in community sports.

“We want to support locals to get active and embrace a healthy lifestyle, no matter what age, gender or ability,” Ms Shing said.

“Due to a lack of time, lack of confidence, and societal pressures, many Gippsland residents just aren’t fitting the recommended amount of physical activity into their week.

“With these Active Club Grants, local sport clubs will be able to deliver a wider range of opportunities for everyone to get active, regardless of ability.

“Regular physical activity not only protects against many illnesses, it also makes us mentally healthy, alert and resilient against the stresses of modern life.”

VicHealth CEO Jerril Rechter said the grants will help more Gippsland residents to make physical activity part of their day-to-day life.

“This program is about supporting Victoria’s grassroots sport clubs to provide a wider range of opportunities for everyone to get involved in,” Ms Rechter said.

“Successful clubs across Gippsland will be able to use these grants to respond to growing numbers of women and girls wanting to play sport.

“Non-traditional, social and modified sports are also becoming an increasingly popular choice, and some of the successful clubs will deliver creative and flexible sports programs to help locals fit exercise into their busy daily routines.

“I encourage Gippsland residents to get involved in their local sports clubs – it’s a fun way to keep active while connecting with like-minded people in your local community.”

Organization Name Amount

Surfing Mums Philip Island $1,654
Wonthaggi Power Football Club Inc $2,885
Wonthaggi Croquet Club $2,870
Bairnsdale Rowing Club $2,671
Heyfield Junior Football Club $2,578
Bairnsdale Squash and Racquetball Assoc Inc $2,948
Swan Reach Hockey Club $1,696
Nerrena Cricket Club $2,845
Outtrim-Moyarra-Kongwak Cricket Club $1,746
Sale Hockey Club Inc $3,000
Wonthaggi Bowls Club Incorporated $2,700
Traralgon Rovers Hockey Club $2,302
Morwell East Football Netball Club Inc $3,000
Newborough Junior Football Club Inc. $2,057
Traralgon Football Netball Club Inc $9,293

For more information about VicHealth’s Active Clubs Grants, go to www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/activeclub

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing:

“Funding boosts like this ensure that more people can be encouraged to undertake regular physical activity as part of their day to day life.”

“I encourage everyone in Gippsland to become involved in sport, be it traditional or non-traditional”.