General News
13 June, 2024
Grants support sport clubs
With the goal of promoting participation in local sport, Sport and Recreation Victoria has given grants of up to $4000 to six local clubs in the Central Goldfields. The Dunolly Bowls Club, Maryborough Basketball Association, Maryborough Lawn Tennis...
With the goal of promoting participation in local sport, Sport and Recreation Victoria has given grants of up to $4000 to six local clubs in the Central Goldfields.
The Dunolly Bowls Club, Maryborough Basketball Association, Maryborough Lawn Tennis Club, Maryborough Netball Association, Maryborough Soccer Club and Talbot Football and Cricket Club were all beneficiaries of the Sporting Club Grants Program, which promotes accessibility and engagement in local sport by providing money for equipment, introduction programs or travel for competitions.
The Maryborough Lawn Tennis Club has used its serve of funding to purchase new tennis balls, which according to president Heather Carr, will open up exciting possibilities for the club.
“The tennis club uses a lot of tennis balls during our season so we are always paying for new tennis balls every year,” she said.
“Because our tennis balls are such a high use item for the club, it becomes a huge expense for us, now with tennis balls taken care of, we can free up other money for different areas and activities at the club.”
The grant program has invested nearly $17 million into local sport since 2015, with more than 400 grassroots clubs strengthened by the current round of funding.
Ms Carr said she is thankful to see continued investment in providing more avenues for residents to participate in physical activity.
“Sport and Recreation Victoria have a lot of grants available so we value the opportunities they provide to apply for equipment like tennis nets and racquets which we have applied for in previous years,” she said.
“We supply a lot of tennis racquets here for people who can’t afford, or don’t have a racquet to encourage them to participate and take up tennis.
“We all know how important local sport can be for your physical and mental wellbeing and tennis is such a great sport for both.”
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said she is committed in her support for local sporting clubs.
“Sporting clubs are the lifeblood of our rural and regional communities. These grants will help increase participation and connection for our very deserving clubs,” she said.
“I will continue to back community sports across our region and work with local clubs to ensure they have what they need to succeed.”