Monday, 3 April 2017

The Andrews Labor Government is giving Gippsland clubs, sporting organisations and councils another chance to secure funding to build modern and safer grassroots sports facilities and new multi-sport indoor stadiums.

Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria Region, said that applications are now open for the next round of the $100 million Community Sports Infrastructure Fund and the $22 million Better Indoor Stadiums Fund.

Local sports clubs are the lifeblood of our community. They deserve modern, safe, inclusive and fully-accessible facilities with room to grow and welcome more members than ever before.

Ms Shing said, now even more sporting organisations, working with their local councils, can benefit.

More grants of up to $3 million are now up for grabs to develop new, or expand existing indoor multi-sport stadiums in Gippsland to meet soaring demand for greater court space.

We’re helping clubs transform tired sports grounds and ageing clubrooms to encourage more people to get involved and stay fit and healthy.

It also includes $10 million for Female Friendly Facilities to build or upgrade women’s change rooms – meaning female players will never again have to use make-shift areas to prepare for competition and training.

And for the first time, councils can apply for up to three $100,000 grants from the Female Friendly Facilities category to ensure that more venues provide equal facilities for males and females.

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

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

“Women’s sport is booming! Thanks to competitions like the AFLW and Super Netball we’re seeing more and more women and girls signing up to play, coach, umpire and volunteer with local clubs all over Gippsland.

“On top of last month’s record $85 million investment in elite and community sporting facilities to bring the best facilities and competition, 575 jobs and increased economic growth to Gippsland, the Andrews Labor Government is also upgrading more facilities to make them safer and more inclusive for everyone.”

“I would urge councils and sporting organisations in Gippsland whose infrastructure is tired and needs a boost to apply now to kickstart improvements that can make a real difference.”