Sports clubs across the Sunraysia area can now benefit from new uniforms and footwear thanks to the Brumby Labor Government’s Our Club, Our Future Sporting Uniform Grants Program 2009-10.
Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad said the $1.65 million program aimed to ensure clubs are properly equipped to compete in their local leagues.
“Victoria boasts a strong tradition of involvement in grassroots sports, with clubs contributing greatly to the identity of many of our towns and communities,” Ms Broad said.
“There is a great sense of pride in pulling on the team colours and representing your town or club, but there are many community sports clubs which lack the resources to properly equip their squads and members.
“Priority has been given to clubs, organisations and communities from disadvantaged areas and those benefiting underrepresented groups. Many types of sports have been funded such as soccer, equestrian, baseball, bowls, golf, netball, football and cricket.
“Now clubs can get a cash boost to help their players put on the club colours and help create a sense of team unity and pride,” Ms Broad said.
The funding will provide up to $1,000 to 508 clubs in Victoria to purchase uniform clothing and footwear which are essential for playing sport.
In the Sunraysia district the grants will fund:
- Mildura Basketball Association which will receive $1,000 to purchase new singlet tops for 19 Mildura Junior Heat Representative Teams.
- Irymple Junior Football Club which will receive $1,000 to replace deteriorating football jumpers.
- Walpeup Underbool Football Netball Club which will receive $1,000 to upgrade their entire netball club uniform, from old two pieces to the modern full dresses.
- Mildura Junior Football Netball Club Incorporated Uniform Project which will receive $1,000 to supply all Junior Netball players with a uniform to participate in the Sunraysia Football Netball League competition.
- Red Cliffs Football Netball Club which will receive $1,000 to supply the under 18 football team and under 17 netball team with warm up track pants.
- North West Victoria Adult Riding Club which will receive $1,000 to purchase 30 saddle blankets. These saddle blankets will be in the club colours and have the clubs logo on them.
- Sunraysia Football Umpire Association which will receive $1,000 to recruit 10 new umpires to fill three grades of football in the Sunraysia Football Netball Association and the Millewa Football League.
- Whitestars Soccer Club which will receive $990 to bring together a wide range of cultural backgrounds and underprivileged children (both boys and girls) to join their local soccer activities, to develop self esteem and assist integration into the local community.
- Mildura Speedway Drivers' Club which will receive $981.90 to provide their main visible officials with a high visibility vest. This will allow them to be easily identified by not only the drivers, but also to the public.
- Mildura Netball Association which will receive $968 to provide specialist coaching for players in the 10-17 age group.
- Mildura Settlers Cricket Club which will receive $960 to purchase one day playing shirts and hats for both senior and junior members.
- Ladies Committee - Mildura Golf Club which will receive $920.72 to purchase uniforms for all committee members and all volunteer members involved in the organisation when hosting the Victorian County Spring Golf Tournament this year.
- “The Big Issue in Australia” - Mildura Street Soccer Program, which will receive $920. This program runs for 52 weeks of the year for homeless and marginalised members of the community. Street soccer uses the power of sports to transform lives by creating a weekly space to make friends, have fun and do something good for oneself.
The Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs, James Merlino, said the program would not only benefit disadvantaged clubs, but will encourage further participation in sport at the grassroots level.
“These grants will provide added incentive for people of all ages and abilities to be part of a team, enabling even the smallest of clubs to look the part while competing and training,” Mr Merlino said.
“We want Victorians to remain physically active and involved, which is what our ‘Go for your life’ campaign is all about – getting more Victorians off the couch and more involved in their own community.”
The third round of funding is still available for application, 21 June – 30 July 2010.
During these dates, applications will be open online at www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au
Applicants can contact the Grants Information Line on 1300 366 356 for guidelines and assistance.