Tuesday, 14 January 2020

The Morwell community has been given a major boost, with Bocce Australia receiving funding from the Andrews Labor Government’s Significant Sporting Events Program to host 2020 Australian Bocce Championships.

Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing today announced the event will be held on 4^th – 8^th June, 2020, at the Italian Australian Sporting Club in Morwell.

The 50th Australian men’s and women’s bocce championships will involve over 140 players and 30 coaches, (60% from interstate) and is expected to attract 700 spectators over the five days of competition.

This will be the 50th anniversary of the Championships and the first time the event has been held in the Latrobe Valley. The Championships will be staged by Bocce Australia in partnership with Bocce Victoria as co-host, along with the Morwell Bocce Club.

The championships were last held in Victoria in 2015.

The $17.7 million Significant Sporting Events Program supports organisations to deliver sporting events that are national or international in focus, or have regional significance and are recognised by a relevant sporting body.

Since 2010, the program has supported more than 700 sporting events in Victoria, of which more than half have been held in regional Victoria.

They bring competitors, officials and supporters to our communities, stimulate the local economy and inspire more people to stay active and healthy through sport.

The program is part of the Labor Government’s commitment to sport and active recreation, gender equality and to encouraging all Victorians to get out there and get active.

Across Victoria, the Government has invested more than $850 million in community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria

“Sport is such an important part of our community and it’s fantastic that we’ve been able to attract the 2020 Australian Bocce Championships to Gippsland.”

“This is great news for fans and also for local workers and businesses.”

“We back these events because they create economic benefit and jobs while also providing a first-rate opportunity to watch elite competition for the community.”

“It means we can showcase our region to a wide audience.”

“Victoria is Australia’s sporting and events capital and I’m proud that our community is part of that ongoing success.”