Tuesday, 11 July 2017

More Aboriginal Victorians will be able to play the sports they love in Gippsland with the Andrews Labor Government set to expand the popular Sporting Club Grants Program.

Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria Region today encouraged applications from local clubs and community organisations for the next round of the program.

The Sporting Club Grants Program gives clubs the chance to secure grants to buy new sports uniforms and equipment, or to expand the skills of coaches and officials
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Ms Shing said this round also includes a new category of grants that aims to break down barriers and make it easier for Aboriginal Victorians to get involved in grassroots sport, including travel assistance to compete in local competitions or carnivals.

Grants of up to $750 are available for travel and up to $1,000 to buy new team uniforms or equipment. In addition, grants of up to $2,000 are available to expand the skills of coaches and officials.

Clubs can also receive up to $5,000 for initiatives that strengthen their operations and grow their membership.

The funding boost is part of the Labor Government’s $600,000 boost to increase participation in sport and recreation for Aboriginal young people.

Within the adult Aboriginal population, only 38 per cent of men and 23 per cent of women participated in sport and physical activity. This investment hopes to change that.

Applications for the Sporting Club Grants Program close on July 19 2017.

For more information, or to apply online, visit; www.sport.vic.gov.au.

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

“We know that at a grassroots level, more work needs to be done to help Aboriginal kids get more active and play the sports they love.”

“I encourage Gippsland clubs to make the most of this support and apply online now for new uniforms, better equipment or training for their coaches.”