Local teams to score at First Nations sport carnival

BENDIGO’S representation at next month’s Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association senior football and netball carnival in Portarlington has received a State Government funding boost.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence last week announced a new round of grants had been distributed under the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program.

A sum of $4500 will go to the Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative to help pay to send football and netball teams to the carnival, which is scheduled for 5 and 6 October.

Football and netball carnivals for both junior and senior players are usually held every two years. This year’s junior football and netball carnival is scheduled for the Mercy Junortoun Sports Precinct on 25 and 26 September for players aged nine to 17.

BDAC chief executive officer Dallas Widdicombe said two netball teams and one football team would represent Bendigo at Portarlington, with players coming from existing competitions in the region.

He said the funding would help pay for costs such as uniforms, transport and accommodation.

At least 28 players and support staff will represent the city in the football competition, while about 20 will don Bendigo’s colours for the netball competition.

Mr Widdicombe said while the teams did not explicitly represent BDAC, the organisation was responsible for submitting and managing the grant application.

When she announced recipients, Ms Spence said more than $100,000 was being distributed to help Aboriginal athletes.

“The next generation of First Nations athletes are set to do their clubs and communities proud, and we are backing them to success with this game changing program,” Ms Spence said.

She said work was under way on a new Victorian Aboriginal Sporting Partnership that would build stronger connections in the community sport sector.