Moorabool football and netball clubs are being urged to put up their hand for a new round of grants to help refresh ageing sporting infrastructure.
Community sport minister Ros Spence has 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.
Ms Spence said the extra financial support will help sporting clubs meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and provide better facilities for when play resumes next year after two heavily interrupted years.
“Regional clubs are the heart and soul of communities and they deserve modern and safe facilities they can be proud of,” she said.
“Clubs have persevered to keep seasons going throughout the pandemic and I hope potential new facilities encourage more participation in the years to come.”
The latest round of funding will again focus on supporting communities that are experiencing socio-economic disadvantage, strong population growth or other economic challenges exacerbated by the pandemic.
A partnership with Netball Victoria, the AFL, and AFL Victoria, the program was established in 2005 to help netball and football clubs across the state to meet growing demand and welcome even more members.
The program has so far delivered more than $30 million to more than 500 projects.
AFL Victoria head Brad Scott said the latest funding round was welcome news for regional and rural communities.
“Grant programs like this play an important role in helping communities benefit from new and upgraded facilities, which helps local sporting clubs thrive,” he said.
Netball Victoria chief executive Rosie King said 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.
Applications for the next round of the program close on December 1.
For further information or to apply online, visit sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding
