Wathaurong receives sporting grant

THE Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative will share in more than $100,000 as part of the latest round of the Victorian government’s Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants program.

The Co-operative is set to receive just over $4,300 to host a statewide senior football and netball carnival on Wadawurrung Country for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The sporting grant – announced last week by Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples and Geelong MP Christine Couzens, Lara MP Ella George and Bellarine MP Alison Marchant – is in addition to the $9,000 the Wathaurong received as part of the same grant program earlier this year.

“I’m excited to see how these grants will help support First Nation People in providing necessary supports for accessing the needs for attending sporting carnivals, providing uniforms or equipment,” Ms Couzens said.

“This is a great opportunity to be able to participate in upcoming sporting opportunities.”

The Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant program provides funds to assist Aboriginal Victorians to participate in sporting carnivals, buy sports uniforms and equipment, and fund travel and accommodation expenses for athletes to complete in state and national competitions.

Grants of up to $1,000 are available for team uniforms and sport equipment, as well as up to $2,500 for travel costs.

Individuals can also access up to $250 to purchase sporting uniforms and equipment, and up to $750 for their travel expenses.

Since it launched in 2020, the program has provided more than 450 grants to community sports clubs and individuals across the state.

Ms Marchant said sport played a vital role in bringing communities together.

“It is great to see this program provide funding to local Aboriginal sporting clubs and athletes to extend their resources and assist with travel costs.”

Ms George added: “These grants are a massive boost for Aboriginal athletes and clubs across Geelong, helping them have access to transport and equipment to play and compete in the sports they love.”