Game on!

IT’s game on for the Bellarine, with sports clubs from across the region securing vital funds in this year’s round of Community Grants.

A wide variety of sporting codes have been successful in their applications for facility upgrades and new equipment – a boost that will undoubtedly help take our local athletes to the next level.

The Community Grants program is an incredibly valuable initiative. It exists to support the people and organisations working tirelessly behind the scenes to strengthen our community.

This year, Council endorsed a total of $2,022,902 in funding awarded to 96 applicants.

These grants span several categories including the arts, climate change partnerships, community events, infrastructure and environmental sustainability.

Here on the Bellarine, the standout success of this round is the scale of investment in our sporting infrastructure.

Racquet sports across the peninsula have won game-set-match, with over $300,000 in community grants served in this round of funding.

Drysdale Tennis Club has scored $50,000 for the resurfacing of three synthetic courts.

The courts at Collins Street were installed 15 years ago and have hosted their fair share of matches, reaching the end of their life cycle.

An additional $2,000 has been awarded to the club for new tables to replace outdated equipment in the function space, allowing the club to host more inclusive, youth-focused and community events.

Down the coast, Ocean Grove Tennis Club has secured a massive $250,000 to redevelop the clubhouse at Shell Road.

The upgrades will include an extension of the existing building, with new facilities to address gender and accessibility issues, building a more inclusive space for all.

Shell Road was one of six reserves identified as requiring improved infrastructure in the Ocean Grove Sporting Infrastructure Plan 2025 (OGSIP).

The plan highlighted venues struggling to meet rising demand due to ageing facilities, so it is fantastic to see Shell Road secure the resources it needs to support our growing tennis community.

Pickleball and badminton players will also have something to cheer about, after Ocean Grove Memorial Recreation Reserve secured $34,386 in funding for Memorial Hall.

This grant will support the planning phase for a hall or stadium space adjacent to the current site, with room for four new pickleball and badminton courts.

And off the courts, we weren’t horsing around when it came to supporting our equestrian enthusiasts.

Barwon Heads Pony Club has secured $25,000 to revitalise its facilities. This funding covers the design phase of an upgrade to create an accredited, safe and Pony Club Victoria-compliant cross-country course to replace the current outdated facility. An additional $1,000 has also been awarded to support the club in making its kitchen facilities operational for events.

While many of these projects are still in their infancy, it’s clear that the future of sports on the Bellarine is bright.

I’m proud that Council has endorsed this funding, recognising the value that these clubs and community groups add to our region. I look forward to seeing these projects pick up speed, providing the very best opportunities for physical activity and social connection in Greater Geelong.

Cr Trent Sullivan

Leopold Ward,

City of Greater Geelong