Bellarine clubs to benefit from sporting grants

SEVERAL clubs on the Bellarine will share in more than $530,000 in grants to boost their equipment, skills and administration expertise.

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville announced last week that six clubs on the Bellarine had successfully applied for funding in the second round of the Andrews Labor Government’s 2018-19 Sporting Club Grants Program.

The grants provide clubs up to $1,000 for new uniforms and equipment, up to $2,000 to train coaches, officials and volunteers, and up to $5,000 to improve operational effectiveness.

The grants include funding for uniforms, equipment and skill development.

Barwon Heads Cricket Club, Ocean Grove the Surf Life Saving Club, Bellarine Peninsula Basketball, Queenscliff Netball Club, will all use their grants to purchase much needed equipment.

The Portarlington and St Leonards RSL Sub Branch will use their grant to purchase uniforms for their combined competitions.

Point Lonsdale Bowls Club are using their grant for a Training Program for Members, and the Point Lonsdale Boardriders Club will run a Clinic on Judging criteria with their grant.

“Sporting clubs are the lifeblood of local communities, that’s why we’re proud to support their development and open up a range of opportunities on and off the field for their members,” Ms Neville said.

“The Sporting Club Grants Program is giving grassroots sports clubs in the Bellarine the support they need to grow their ranks and help more people than ever play the sports they love.”

The Sporting Club Grants Program is part of the Labor Government’s commitment to make sport more accessible and inclusive, increase local participation, stimulate local economies, and build sustainable sport and recreation and volunteer opportunities.

Since coming to office, including this latest round of funding, Labor has provided more than 3,600 Sporting Club Grants across the state, totalling more than $4.9 million.