The Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund is a competitive Victorian Government investment program, open to Victorian rural and regional local government authorities.

LGAs are encouraged to partner with regional sports assemblies to collaborate on projects through this funding scheme, which aims to deliver new and upgraded community sports infrastructure across four streams:

• Indoor Stadiums and Aquatic Facilities
• Community Facilities
• Women and Girls Facilities
• All Abilities Infrastructure

“We welcome this opportunity for collaborative projects to support community sport upgrades,” said RSV Executive Officer Meghan Mayman. “While LGAs are the only organisations who can apply for infrastructure funding, Regional Sports Assemblies can contribute through the participation component of funded projects.”

“We have seen firsthand the positive impacts of LGAs and RSAs working together toward the common goal of improved sport and recreation experiences. I strongly encourage LGAs to reach out to their local RSA to discuss how they can support their applications.”

Success Stories: LGAs and RSAs Working Together on Community Sports Infrastructure

Leisure Networks

Several recent projects have been made possible through LGA-RSA collaboration to activate facilities in regional Victoria. Leisure Networks developed a participation plan focused on women and girls for Inverleigh Recreation Reserve, which was upgraded via Sport and Recreation Victoria/LGA facility funding.

“We held a community consultation and worked with the club to develop a participation plan including an action plan to support increased participation in football by women and girls,” said Brooke Connolly, Manager – Sport, Recreation & Health at Leisure Networks. “This resulted in the development of U12 girls, a connection to AFL VIC to support growth, pathway development starting from Auskick, and a dedicated training program for senior women.”

Leisure Networks also played a role in facility upgrades at Geelong Rangers Soccer Club at Myers Reserve – Bell Post Hill. The RSA assisted with participation plan development to use as supporting evidence when submitting for facility funding from the City of Greater Geelong.

“The plan focused on growth trends at the club, opportunities for further participation, and the need for extra pitch lighting to facilitate this,” Connolly said. “As a result, the club was funded with lighting installed and increased participation numbers.”

GippSport

Over in Victoria’s East, GippSport has found success in collaboration with Wellington Shire Council and Sale Tennis Club. Multiple infrastructure projects over many years have seen a variety of club capacity/participation programs being implemented. After receiving funding for tennis court and pavilion upgrades, the council and club approached GippSport for assistance in participation planning and All Abilities Programs.

“When the Infrastructure projects involved some technical challenges, GippSport provided both governance support and advice to the club (it was a lot for club volunteers) and participated in discussions with Council, SRV, TV and also liaised with our technical advisors 2MH Consulting to provide support during a challenging time,” said Michelle Harris, Manager & Senior Consultant at GippSport.

“This strategic plan has now been used to support a funding application for redevelopment of the hard courts. We supported the club to approach Council with the supporting information and now we are assisting Wellington Shire with collecting supporting documentation.”

This ongoing support has set the Sale Tennis program up for a bright future, with the club participating in a range of initiatives including Healthy Sporting Environments, Good Sports, This Girl Can Week activities, modified social programs and workshops.

GippSport has also provided support for a range of smaller applications that include SunSmart Shade Grants and Sporting Club Grants.

Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund Applications

For more details on previous projects and collaborative opportunities, LGAs are encouraged to reach out to RGAs.

For more information on this funding, please visit the SRV website: https://sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding/our-grants/regional-community-sports-infrastructure-fund

Applications close on 27 March 2024.