It will now be easier for Victorians living in Western Victoria to get active thanks to 16 local sporting clubs sharing in over $750,000 in funding from VicHealth.
This funding will support local sports clubs to create more opportunities for women and girls to get active by offering new female teams or programs and providing equipment to ensure clubs can grow with their community.
The grants will also support clubs to introduce social, flexible and accessible sports programs to empower more people in the community to give sport a go regardless of their ability, gender or cultural background.
Building on the success of VicHealth’s This Girl Can – Victoria campaign, 61 clubs across Victoria will also receive funding to promote the campaign as part of a state-wide movement to get more women active.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said it was fantastic there would now be more activities, teams and opportunities for the community to get involved in sport.
“Active Club Grants will help create more opportunities for people of all ages, genders and abilities to get active and enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle,” Ms Tierney said.
“Taking part in community sport is a great way to make new friends and get active with others while also improving your own health and wellbeing. I encourage everyone in Western Victoria to look at what opportunities are available for them to get involved.”
“I welcome this latest round of funding to make getting active easier for everyone, while supporting the clubs and associations that contribute so much to our great community.”
VicHealth Acting CEO, Dr Lyn Roberts AO, said Active Club Grants have supported hundreds of clubs across Victoria to get more people in their community moving in new ways.
“We’re thrilled to be able to support local sporting clubs in Western Victoria to provide more opportunities for the community to get active through a sport they enjoy,” Dr Roberts said.
“The success of our This Girl Can – Victoria campaign shows that women and girls, as well as disadvantaged and less active groups, want to get active and socialise.
“These grants will help get more Victorians in Western Victoria into the game by offering modified or social versions of traditional sport where your age, ability, background, lifestyle or gender isn’t a barrier to taking part.”
Local clubs funded in Western Victoria include:
- Portland Golf Club ($3,000) – introducing Golf Australia’s MyGolf program, for boys and girls to learn the sport
- Allansford Cricket Club ($2,787) – adding an additional girls’ cricket team, to complement their existing girls team
- South Warrnambool Football Netball Club ($2,938) – introducing a new football team for women of any age, skill, ability or fitness level. Participants can play games or just take part in training
- Gunditjmara Bulls Rugby Club ($1,200) – introducing rugby training days suited for people that currently are unable to play due to their work schedules
- Warrnambool Golf Club ($3,000) – introducing Golf Australia’s MyGolf program, for boys and girls aged 7 and above. The program is based around making the game fun and teaching skills
- Warrnambool Tri Club ($3,000) – introducing Couch to Coast, an inclusive, accessible and non-competitive triathlon program for local women who wouldn’t normally participate in triathlon. The club will also promote the This Girl Can Victoria campaign at their club as part of a state-wide movement to get more women active
- Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club ($2,960) – introducing a lifesaving program for mothers of existing junior participants, including fitness activities, swimming, and back to lifesaving events. The club will also promote the This Girl Can Victoria campaign at their club as part of a state-wide movement to get more women active
- Apollo Bay Sailing Club ($2,327) – introducing a fun, junior sailing program for young people and teenagers; and family activities for parents to also be involved
- Cobden Golf Club ($3,000) – introducing Golf Australia’s MyGolf program, for 5-14 year old boys and girls to learn the sport
- Colac Imperials Football Netball Club ($3,000) – adding two new female football teams. The club will also promote the This Girl Can Victoria campaign at their club as part of a state-wide movement to get more women active
- Colac Otway Rovers AFC ($3,000) – launching a female football team in response to community inquiries and demand. The club will also promote the This Girl Can Victoria campaign at their club as part of a state-wide movement to get more women active
- Colac Pony Club ($2,830) – offering new, exciting and diverse options for women and girls to take part in pony club rallies and events
- Inverleigh Bowls Club ($3,000) – introducing Bowling Victoria’s Girls on the Green program to attract more women to the sport, including parents, retirees and junior girls
- Otway Districts Football Netball Club ($2,200) – introducing a modified football and netball program for boys and girls, including suitable training opportunities adapted for the age of the participants
- Terang Cricket Club ($1,414) – working to get more girls involved in their club through introductory programs, and increasing numbers in order to field a new team
- Terang/Mortlake Football Netball Club ($2,875) – introducing a new junior team for girls, allowing more girls to play locally without having to drive long distances to other clubs
For more information about VicHealth’s Active Clubs Grants including a full list of funded clubs, go to www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/activeclub