Aboriginal athletes will have more opportunities to compete in the sports they love through new Andrews Labor Government grants for travel, participation in sport carnivals, uniforms and equipment.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today launched the latest round of the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program.
Grants of up to $1,500 are available for teams to participate in state-wide or national sport carnivals and up to $1,000 to cover team uniforms and sport equipment. There is up to $250 available per individual for the purchase of sporting uniforms and/or equipment and up to $750 for travel and accommodation expenses.
Previous recipients include the Shepparton Swans Football Netball Club which received $995 towards new uniforms and equipment, making it possible for more Aboriginal young people to play at the club.
The Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative in North Geelong received $1,500 to help their junior boys and girls teams with travel and accommodation so they could attend the VACSAL Basketball Carnival in 2022.
Melbourne Warriors Sports Club received $1,500 for its Under 12 Boys footballers to go to the 2022 VACSAL Junior Football and Netball Carnival in Bairnsdale.
From Australian Diamonds goalscoring ace Donnell Wallam to test cricketer Scott Boland, Aboriginal athletes have made a huge impact in their sports and beyond the stands.
The Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program reflects the Labor Government’s commitment to supporting the Victorian Aboriginal community, creating pathways to success and building stronger connections within the community sport sector.
Since 2020, the Government has provided more than $290,000 through this program for 270 grants to support Aboriginal community-run organisations, clubs and individuals across the state. It is one of the many ways the Government is ensuring individuals, teams and organisations have the resources they need.
Applications for funding are open until 7 March. For more information or to apply visit sport.vic.gov.au.
Quote attributable to Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
“This program is all about increasing participation in sport and helping to launch the careers of our next generation of Aboriginal champions.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Gabrielle Williams
“Supporting more Aboriginal athletes to compete in the sports they love will help build strong connections within the community sport sector.”
Quote attributable to Melbourne Warriors Sports Club manager Jaynaya Atkinson
“It’s great to see families connect through sport. The Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program has supported our journey and that’s what is important for our communities.”
Reviewed 17 February 2023