Culturally-diverse communities will be empowered to participate in local sport and recreation thanks to new funding from the Andrews Labor Government.
Acting Minister for Multicultural Affairs James Merlino today announced 12 Victorian sporting bodies will share in $4 million in grants to develop community projects and get more Victorians on local playing fields.
The projects will encourage people from migrant and refugee backgrounds to get involved with their local sports clubs, be active and have a go.
AFL Victoria, Netball Victoria, Cricket Australia and Football Federation Victoria are just some of the organisations that will receive up to $600,000 to improve participation in community sport.
Other sports to benefit from funding include tennis, rugby league, rugby union, softball, surfing, basketball, paralympic sports, and athletics.
The grants program assessed an organisation’s community engagement strategies, including connections with young people, women and those from a refugee or migrant background, as well as the sustainability of their programs.
Sporting organisations will contribute their own resources and partner with networks at the grassroots level to reach new communities and increase participation.
For more information about the Multicultural Sports Fund and the 12 funded projects, visit
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Multicultural Affairs James Merlino
“Victoria’s sporting culture is something for everyone to enjoy, regardless of their background. Our message is simple – just have a go.”
“We are thrilled to see our biggest names in sport coming together to support cultural diversity on the playing field.”
“These grants will create more opportunities for Victorians to get involved in grassroots sport and make some lifelong friendships along the way."
Reviewed 19 August 2020