A program encouraging young Aboriginal Victorians to ride the wave to success through surfing has scored the perfect break thanks to the Victorian Government.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced a $100,000 boost for Surfing Victoria's Indigenous Surfing Program.
Since 1998 the Indigenous Surfing Program has provided a range of opportunities for young Aboriginal Victorians to participate and compete in surfing, and more recently stand-up paddleboarding.
Between 2018 and 2020 alone, more than a thousand participants took part in wave riding, skills workshops, water safety and competitions across 14 different locations around the state, 50 per cent of those participants were young women and girls.
The funding will help Surfing Victoria increase social participation and employment opportunities for young Indigenous Australians and broaden its partnerships through the program.
VicHealth will also continue its support of the Indigenous Surfing Program providing $100,000.
The support for the Surfing Victoria initiative is part of the Government's work to build a more sustainable sport sector and increase participation for everyone.
Government investment includes more than $18 million kicked in through the first round of the Together More Active Program, with $6.3 million going to 79 sport and active recreation organisations for projects that improve their competitive edge, boost organisational capacity, increase membership and sustainability, create more participation opportunities, and increase diversity and inclusiveness.
For more information about grant opportunities available through the Together More Active program, visit sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding.
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
"From Bell's Beach to Cape Woolamai, Victoria is synonymous with surfing, and what better way to make a difference to young people's lives than engaging Aboriginal youth and building pathways to success."
As stated by Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman
"I'm thrilled we're continuing this partnership with Surfing Victoria to empower young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians to get active while creating deeper connections with others, communities and places."
As stated by CEO of Surfing Victoria Adam Robertson
"We look forward to continuing to develop and strengthen this amazing program with the support of First Nations communities and the Victorian Government."
