Sporting clubs across Barwon region receive funding boost

SPORTING clubs across the Surf Coast, Geelong and the Bellarine have been awarded grants to help more people get involved in their local sporting codes.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence announced this month 875 grants will go to more than 740 clubs to share in more than $1.2 million from the Sporting Club Grants Program.

Each grant supports clubs to purchase uniforms and equipment, upskill volunteers, coaches and officials, or improve their accessibility and engagement with local communities.

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said she was ecstatic that close to a dozen Bellarine clubs were successful in obtaining funding.

“This program is always popular among Bellarine Clubs and athletes, as it’s supporting them to have access to what they need to take part in the sports they love.

Local sporting clubs receiving support included Clifton Springs Tennis Club an their $1,000 to go towards new equipment for juniors, seniors and competition players.

Drysdale-Clifton Springs Pickleball Club will also receive $1,000 to supply and install a defibrillator, while Drysdale Football Netball Club has received $5,000 to go towards training for their coaches and volunteers.

The recipients include 62 clubs and sporting organisations within the City of Greater Geelong, 11 based in the Surf Coast Shire, and one in the Borough of Queenscliffe – the Bellarine Peninsula Petanque Club receiving $1,052 for coaching accreditation training programs and coaching skill development.

“This is a major boost for clubs across the state – we’re making sure clubs have the skills and equipment they need to thrive, and get more people involved,” Ms Spence said.

“We want our local sporting clubs to be backing the next generation of local champions – and these grants provide them the chance to do just that.”

For more information about the Sporting Club Grants Program, head to sport.vic.gov.au/funding/sporting-club-grants-program