Sports Focus plays on thanks to $600,000 state grant

BENDIGO-based Sports Focus has received a $600,000 grant via the latest round of the State Government’s Together More Active program.

The funding is part of over $8.1 million pledged statewide this time around.

The not-for-profit organisation supports and empowers sporting clubs across the region to be more safe, inclusive and welcoming spaces for the broader community to enjoy sport and recreation.

Sports Focus’ business manager of more than 20 years Stuart Craig said the Together More Active program is its core funding that allows them to “open our doors.”

“As opposed to project-specific funding, this allows us to operate as a business,” he said.

“In the current environment, though we acknowledge that the value diminishes as our costs continue to rise, we’ve taken the allocation as being a win.

“It’s a testament to what we’ve been able to achieve as an organisation over our 42 years – the outcomes we’re able to achieve through our strong partnerships with local government, health agencies, education, justice and the likes.

“(Our) reputation across the community, not just the community sports sector, but in the broader community has held us in really good stead.

“When we put our submission together, it went with 21 letters of support from a range of organisations and included the signatures of our four local members.

“That was a great endorsement of what we’ve been able to do.

“We’re only eight strong, so we’re a small team that fights above its weight when it comes to (what) we’re able to achieve through the funding we receive.”

Sports Focus memberships 2025/26 are now open to eligible organisations and associations. The $66 annual fee offers a range of benefits including information, advice and support to community sporting club volunteers.

To apply, visit the Sports Focus website.