By Gabriella Payne
Sporting clubs across the state will all have the opportunity to improve and transform their facilities as the Victorian Government kick starts the next round of their new initiative, the ‘2021 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund’, aimed at invigorating community sporting activities.
The first round of funding is now open for applications and with $22 million put aside for this project, the Government is encouraging clubs of all shapes and sizes to pitch their proposals and get involved.
As well as aiming to get more women and girls involved with community sports, the Victorian Government hope that this funding will help to improve sporting facilities for local clubs so that they can be modern, safe and inclusive places for one and all, with room to grow into the future.
Harriet Shing, the Member for Eastern Victoria said that grassroots sports clubs were integral parts of towns and communities throughout the state and they deserved to have facilities to match.
“Sport and active recreation is the heart and soul of our local communities.
Unfortunately, many clubs and communities are struggling with run down infrastructure,” Ms Shing said.
“With more and more women and girls signing up to play in Eastern Victoria, we are getting on with upgrading infrastructure so clubs can keep up with soaring demand, while also making them accessible and more inclusive.”
As well as improving wellbeing outcomes, the fund aims to support participation of disadvantaged communities and under-represented groups by developing high-quality, accessible, community sporting facilities and active recreation infrastructure that everyone can enjoy.
Many grant options are available to clubs across five different funding streams which include ‘better indoor stadiums’, ‘female friendly facilities’, ‘community sports lighting’, ‘facilities for active seniors’ and ‘scoreboards and fixed equipment’.
Some clubs have already reaped the rewards of this initiative through the previous round of funding, with $250,000 going towards new athletic track flood lighting at Rieschiecks Reserve in Doncaster East and $500,000 being invested in a brand-new, multi-use, female friendly pavilion at Trafalgar Recreation Precinct.
As well as getting more people, including senior Victorians, involved in sports, the state government hopes to deliver more multi-sport indoor courts and improve sport field capacities into the future with this funding.
Economic growth will be generated in the process, with hundreds of jobs available for planners, architects, engineers, project managers, builders, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, maintenance staff, facility managers and operational personnel – a win-win situation for all.
Ms Shing said that particularly after a difficult year in 2020, this initiative would provide a positive boost for many clubs doing it tough.
“I urge councils and sporting organisations to partner and apply for projects that will make a real difference to the lives of Victorians,” she said.
So whether it’s basketball, badminton, football, field hockey or anything in between – all clubs and sporting associations in need of a makeover are encouraged to apply.
Interested clubs are advised to contact their Local Government Authority or Alpine Resort Board to assist with the application process.
For more information or to apply online visit www.sport.vic.gov.au
