The annual Country Football and Netball Program has officially open for funding applications to upgrade sporting facilities across regional Victoria.
Grants of up to $250,000 are available to deliver projects such as new sports lighting, developing, and upgrading change rooms/pavilions and projects that build capacity through new or upgraded playing surfaces.
Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has encouraged local clubs to put forward applications for funding.
“Plenty of football netball clubs across our region have identified projects that would make compelling cases for funding under this grant stream,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Often our local sporting infrastructure doesn’t match the skills of our country athletes or the dedication of the tireless volunteers that keep clubs running.
“Better facilities mean more participation, more spectators and a boost for local economies.”
The Country Football and Netball Program has delivered more than $35 million to country clubs since 2005.
“This funding stream is specifically designed for country clubs. We’ve got lots of clubs looking to do things like play footy under lights and upgrade female facilities which would benefit from this funding.
“It would be great to see some much needed funding injected into community sport. These clubs really are the lifeblood of our communities and deserve great facilities.”
Ms Cleeland said several clubs had raised their funding needs with her over the past six months.
“The Longwood Redlegs are pushing for new female change facilities and Violet Town’s netball courts could definitely do with some investment,” Ms Cleeland said.
“The Nationals made commitments to fund these upgrades if elected to government as well as new clubrooms for the Seymour Lions and Murchison-Toolamba FNC. It would be great to see these come to fruition for the community.
“Football netball clubs contribute so much to the community. Applications close on March 27 so get in quick and please get in touch if you require any support.”
