Chance to share in funding for sport

Community sporting clubs and associations have an opportunity to share in more than $100 million state government grants dedicated to supporting grassroots players and volunteers.

Clubs and associations can apply for support under a $40 million program to help with basic running costs and to support readiness to return to play.

Community Sport Minister Ros Spence also announced that $68 million from the government’s $2.7 billion building works stimulus package would be allocated to fast-track community sports infrastructure projects across Victoria – creating jobs and supporting local businesses.

Local councils and alpine resort boards, with the support of local sporting bodies, can apply for funding of up to $10 million for shovelready projects.

Ms Spence said the $40 million community club and association program would help associations, leagues and clubs maintain their viability, assist the return to training and play, and support members.

Member for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath said local sporting clubs and associations had been hit hard by COVID-19.

“The suspension of community sporting competitions due to the coronavirus has left a hole in the finances of many regional grassroots sporting organisations.

“Our grassroots clubs and associations rely on the weekly raffle, gate takings and canteen sales to sustain their bottom line, pay bills and support the development of players.

“With half a season gone and no play and no spectators, community sporting clubs have lost the ability to generate much needed revenue to keep the lights on their club or association,” Ms Bath said.

Eligible organisations will be able to apply for funding in four categories, with grants available for amounts:

Up to $350,000 for large state sporting associations;

Up to $200,000 for smaller state sporting associations, regional sports assemblies and academies, and other state sport and recreational bodies;

Up to $15,000 for associations and leagues; Up to $1,000 for individual clubs. Applications for grants under the Victorian Community Sport Sector Short-term Survival Package will be accepted until June 15, or until the funding allocation is exhausted.

For further information and directions on how to apply, visit sport.vic.gov.au/grants-andfunding.

Alana Shone had “for sale” the materials needed to make masks at her Commerce on Show stall at home rather than at her St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School where she is in year 10.