Grants to help clubs get the good gear

SEVERAL clubs and organisations across the Geelong region are gearing up in the latest tranche of funding from the state government’s Sporting Club Grants.

The grants provide clubs with up to $1,000 for new uniforms and equipment, up to $5,000 for training coaches, officials and volunteers, up to $5,000 to improve club operational effectiveness and up to $5,000 to help sports get back on their feet after the coronavirus pandemic.

This is the fourth round of the funding in the program, which has provided more than 5,150 grants worth more than $7 million since 2014.

Recipients include:

• Polwarth and District Tennis Association – Equipment to reduce need to sharing, $5,000
• South West Victorian Football Incorporated – Referee and association uniforms, $5,000
• Barwon Downs Tennis Club – Tennis club uniforms, $1,000
• 1st Modewarre Scout Group – Uniform jumpers for Scout Section, $1,000
• Timboon Bowling Club – Umpires equipment and first aid kit for bowling club, $410
• Alvie Football Netball Club Inc – Uniform tops, $1,000
• Polwarth and District Tennis Association – Foundation course tennis coaching and training, $3,375
• Birregurra Cricket Club – Additional equipment to reduce sharing, $2,000
• Country Hockey Umpires Inc – Additional Equipment and COVID essentials, $1,175
• Port Fairy SLSC – Surf sports equipment for youth development program, $1,000
• Heywood Football Netball Club Inc – Training and game day gear, $2,000.

“The Sporting Club Grants Program is giving grassroots sports clubs in Western Victoria the support they need to grow their ranks and help more people than ever play the sports they love,” Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said.

“Congratulations to all our clubs in western Victoria.

“We’re proud to provide this boost that opens up a range of opportunities for clubs and their members.”

Applications for the second round of grants in this financial year close on Tuesday, May 11.

Community organisations delivering sport and active recreation programs (delivering an activity supported by a recognised state sport and recreation body) anywhere in Victoria may apply.