First Nations athletes in Melton will have more opportunities to compete in the sports they love, with a new grants program aimed at boosting sport participation among First Nations communities, backed by the Andrews Labor Government.
Member for Melton Steve McGhie today encouraged local Indigenous sport communities to apply for the program, which provides grants for travel, participation in sport carnivals, uniforms and equipment.
The program offers grants of up to $2,500 per junior team and $1,500 per senior team towards travel and accommodation costs for participating in Victorian or national Aboriginal sporting carnivals and tournaments, as well as up to $1,000 to cover team uniforms and sports equipment.
Eligible individuals can access up to $250 per person to purchase sporting uniforms and equipment, and up to $750 for travel and accommodation expenses.
Previous grant recipients include Naarm Angels Netball Club, which received $1,500 towards travel and accommodation to attend the 2023 VACSAL Junior Statewide Football Netball Carnival.
Meanwhile, Ballarat basketballer River Sisic was able to participate in regional tournaments throughout the year, thanks to $530 in funding from the program.
Since 2020, the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program has provided more than 430 grants, totalling more than $460,000, to community run clubs and individuals as part of the Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting Victoria’s Indigenous communities.
It’s part of the more than $1.9 billion invested in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014. Applications for funding are open until 20 October. For more information or to apply, visit sport.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Member for Melton Steve McGhie
“This program is about giving Melton First Nations sport stars the support they need to get in the game and shine.”
“I encourage local Indigenous Organisations, sporting clubs, participants, volunteers and communities to take advantage of this program and help nurture our next generation of champions.”
