Country football and netball clubs will have access to more financial support to help them meet the challenges of the pandemic and provide better facilities for when play resumes.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced the next round of the Country Football and Netball Program with grants of up to $200,000 available to deliver projects such as redeveloping and building new ovals and netball courts, installing sports lighting, and building new and redeveloped pavilions.
This round will again focus on supporting communities that have been affected by a natural disaster and those that are experiencing socio-economic disadvantage, strong population growth or other economic challenges.
The program is a partnership with Netball Victoria, the AFL, and AFL Victoria and was established in 2005 to help netball and football clubs across the state to meet growing demand and welcome even more members. So far the program has delivered more than $30 million to more than 500 projects.
The Minister also today announced 13 new projects will share in more than $1.7 million in funding from the program.
This round of successful projects includes grants of $135,000 to Greater Bendigo City Council to install LED lighting at Barrack Reserve in Heathcote, $150,000 to Cardinia Shire Council to reconstruct two netball courts at the home of Pakenham Lions Netball Club, and $150,000 to Indigo Shire Council to upgrade LED lighting at Yackandandah Football Netball Club.
This announcement of more support for country football and netball clubs, combined with a fourth round of the Community Sport Survival Package and outcomes of the Together More Active Program, take the Government's support for community sport this week alone to $23 million.
Applications for the next round of the program close on 1 December 2021 and for more information or to apply online, visit sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding.
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
"Regional clubs are the heart and soul of communities and they deserve modern and safe facilities they can be proud of."
"Clubs have persevered to keep seasons going throughout the pandemic and I hope potential new facilities encourage more participation in the years to come."
As stated by Head of AFL Victoria Brad Scott
"Grant programs like this play an important role in helping communities benefit from new and upgraded facilities, which helps local sporting clubs thrive."
As stated by Netball Victoria Chief Executive Rosie King
"The continued legacy of the Country Football and Netball Program to deliver new and upgraded facilities across regional Victoria and the urban fringe is a beacon in challenging times."
