Country finals kickstart with new grants

As community winter sports players head towards finals season, home-grown football and netball teams are in for a treat with more grants to upgrade local facilities across Victoria becoming avaiable.

The 2023-24 Country Football and Netball Program is now open for applications with grants of up to $250,000 available to make more sport infrastructure developments possible including court and oval lighting upgrades, changeroom developments and new pavilions for local clubs and communities.

This funding helps more clubs make important upgrades to facilities to ensure more players, coaches, umpires and supporters of all abilities can get involved in local sport.

Local footy and netball clubs in eligible areas are encouraged to speak to their local councils to apply for program funding.

Previous successful projects include $250,000 for a new netball court and lighting upgrades at the home of the Campbells Creek Magpies Football Netball Club in Mt Alexander Shire, as well as $230,000 towards the Les Cheesley Oval lighting upgrade, home of the Wodonga Bulldogs Junior Football Club.

“Better facilities allow clubs to take on more players, host more events and draw bigger crowds, creating a real buzz in the community and boosting local economies,” said Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence.

Applications close on 9 October 2023. For more information on the program and to apply, visit sport.vic.gov.au