Local sports clubs eligible for grants

COMMUNITY Clubs and associations now have the chance to apply for two separate grants from the state government.

Last week, Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence announced the state government was devoting $40 million to help clubs with their basic running costs. A further $68 million from the Building Works stimulus package has been allocated to fast-track community sports infrastructure projects across Victoria.

Ms Spence said with more than three million Victorians involved in community sport and recreation, the benefits of the grants would be wide-reaching.

“Community sport plays such a vital role in the lives and wellbeing of so many Victorians, and that’s why we are getting behind our clubs.”

She also noted the funds from the Building Works stimulus package would aid employment.

“We will back projects that have the support of their community, will create jobs and provide real benefits.”

Individual clubs will be eligible for up to $1,000 of the $40 million grant, with leagues and associations eligible for up to $15 million.

Ms Spence said the financial support was timely as many clubs looked to belatedly begin their training, having received little or no income in previous months.

“This is making it that little bit easier to pay the bills as we start to train again and move cautiously towards a return to the park.”

Clubs wishing to apply for the grants can head to sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding.