Community sport in Victoria is set to receive further support to get through the pandemic with the State’s Community Sport Sector COVID-19 Survival Package.
In a statement the Minister for Community Sport, Ros Spence said more than $12.7 million in grants had been approved from the $40 million package for the sport and active recreation sector.
“Almost 70 organisations have been awarded grants under this stream of the package, including Netball Victoria, AFL Victoria, Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria, Football Victoria and Gippsland Regional Sports Academy,” Ms Spence said.
“The grants will help major sport and active recreation organisations keep going in the wake of the necessary cancellation of training, development programs and competition,” she said.
“Funding will help organisations continue to operate safely, support member clubs and participants and assist with the development of Return to Play plans to reactivate their sports as coronavirus restrictions are gradually eased.”
Ms Spence said more than three million Victorians were involved in community sport and recreation, but the sector had suffered significant revenue losses since the onset of the pandemic.
“These grants will provide vital funds for the organisations that support grassroots clubs and associations across the state – the bodies that make it possible for millions of Victorians to play the sports they love,” she said.
“This much needed support will help keep the doors open of our State sporting associations and keep the many people they employ in work.”
She said more than 5,000 clubs had already received $1,000 grants as part of the package, along with 200 leagues and associations which shared in almost $1.5 million.
