Football and netball clubs in Polwarth will receive facility upgrades and developments thanks to funding from the Victorian Government.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP, announced the South Colac Sports Club will receive an $80,000 grant and the Lismore-Derrinallum Football and Netball Club $20,000, as part of the $10 million Country Football and Netball Program, a joint Victorian Government and AFL initiative.
“The grants will enable country football and netball clubs to improve the facilities they provide to players, coaches and supporters, making it easier for everyone to stay involved in the sports they love,” Ms Tierney said.
“South Colac will use this funding to bring themselves up to Netball Victoria requirements by developing a single netball court, while Lismore-Derrinallum will have their existing netball courts resealed and realigned to fix the court surface and run-off.
“The Country Football and Netball Program is a great way to recognise the hard work put in by everyone involved in our local sports clubs, and to help set up these clubs for the future,” Ms Tierney said.
Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs, James Merlino MP, said the Victorian Government has increased its contribution to the program from $2 million to $8 million, to help more Victorians get involved in sport and stay connected to their communities.
“Local sports clubs are a fantastic place to meet, have fun and get physically active, and the partnership between football and netball clubs encourages family involvement,” Mr Merlino said.
Mr Merlino said 31 rural and regional clubs will receive funding worth more than $1 million in this round of grants.
“Past grants have helped clubs make a range of improvements including ground resurfacing, lighting and facility upgrades, and the development of netball courts.
The AFL is contributing $2 million to the program from its Facilities Development Reserve. Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Demetriou, believes it will provide significant benefit to regional communities.
“Local football clubs in rural and regional areas are part of the fabric of the community, not only providing opportunities for participation but also providing a focal point for social and community activities in those areas,” Mr Demetriou said.
Mr Demetriou thanked Tattersall’s for contributing $300,000 from its TipStar AFL sponsorship to rural sporting facilities development.
WorkSafe VCFL, CEO, Glenn Scott says this funding by the State Government and the AFL continues to make a real difference to country football and netball clubs as well as the country communities they represent.
“This funding has enabled country football and netball clubs to update and improve facilities that are crucial to vibrant, healthy and enjoyable sporting environments and they will ensure the ongoing social and community values that form the cornerstone of life in the country. The funding is an excellent reward and encouragement for the hard working volunteers of our regional and rural communities and recognition that their efforts are valued.”
For more information about the Country Football and Netball Program, visit www.grants.dvc.vic.gov.au