Last call for sport grants

Brim-kellalac-sheep Hills Cricket Club is among recipients of 528 $1000 grants under a Victorian government program to help sports clubs and leagues through the coronavirus pandemic.

Applications for the $40-million Community Sport Sector COVID-19 Survival Package, which has four categories of funding, close on Monday.

Community Sport Minister Ros Spence has announced the first wave of support under the program.

She said successful clubs had received confirmation letters about the funding, which would make it ‘that little bit easier’ for clubs returning to training across the state.

From football, cricket, netball and soccer to cycling, little athletics, bowling and baseball, a multitude of pursuits are represented.

Ms Spence said clubs, leagues and associations had been hit hard by the coronavirus shutdown and these grants were a key part of the government’s support for community sport and active recreation.

“Local sport makes people happy and healthy and that’s why we are getting behind the state’s 12,000 clubs and associations,” she said.

“This is practical support that will help the players and coaches, the volunteers and supporters – all the people who make local sport such a vital part of the community.”

More than three-million Victorians are involved in community sport and recreation, with 12,000 clubs and associations operating across the state.

People can visit sport.vic.gov.au/ grants-and-funding for more information or to apply.