First Nations athletes will have more opportunities to compete in the sports they love, with a new grants program aimed at boosting sport participation among First Nations communities, backed by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today launched the latest round of the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program, which provides grants for travel, uniforms, equipment and participation in sports carnivals.
The program offers grants of up to $2,500 per junior team and $1,500 per senior team towards travel and accommodation costs for participating in Victorian or national Aboriginal sporting carnivals and tournaments, as well as up to $1,000 to cover team uniforms and sports equipment.
Eligible individuals can access up to $250 per person to purchase sporting uniforms and equipment, and up to $750 for travel and accommodation expenses.
Previous grant recipients include Naarm Angels Netball Club, which received $1,500 towards travel and accommodation to attend the 2023 VACSAL Junior Statewide Football Netball Carnival.
Meanwhile, Ballarat basketballer River Sisic was able to participate in regional tournaments throughout the year, thanks to $530 in funding from the program.
Since 2020, the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program has provided more than 430 grants, totalling more than $460,000, to community run clubs and individuals as part of the Labor Government's ongoing commitment to supporting Victoria's Indigenous communities.
It's part of the more than $1.9 billion invested in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014.
Applications for funding are open until 20 October. For more information or to apply, visit sport.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
"These grants are about getting more people involved in sport, levelling the playing field for our First Nations sports players, and helping to launch the next generation of Victorian sporting champions."
As stated by Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Gabrielle Williams
"These grants not only support Aboriginal athletes to compete in the sports they love, but they also build important relationships and connections that help strengthen the community sport sector."
As stated by Vice President of Naarm Angels Netball Club Anita North
"This funding boost has been a game-changer for our under 15s Naarm Angels Girls Netball team, supporting them to participate in the 2023 VACSAL Junior Statewide Football Netball Carnival, and I'd like to thank the Victorian Government for their support."
