A district politician has kept himself busy as another round of sporting grant opportunities begins for Goulburn Valley clubs.
Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell has spruiked the opportunity for sporting clubs to apply for the government’s Play Our Way program by following the lead he set in 2023 — getting to clubs and training with them.
Birrell got on the park with Yarrawonga’s Masters side, the Kyabram District League’s Undera and Stanhope football clubs and Rochester of the Goulburn Valley League in recent weeks.
He states that the fundamental purpose of these sessions is to personally connect with clubs that could benefit from the Play Our Way funding, for which the Federal Government has set aside $200 million.
“Sports clubs are at the heart of many of our small towns, and it is important to me to hear what matters to locals,” Birrell said.
“It’s a fantastic way to meet people, many of whom are heavily involved in their community and know what’s needed in their town.
“Joining clubs for a meal after a hard night of training is a highlight of my week; you really get an understanding of the people in our community and how I can best serve our region in Canberra.”
Applications for the grants — which can fall under the Facilities or Participation and Equipment streams — are open to district councils and community organisations in addition to sporting clubs.
Though no plans are concrete, Birrell says he intends to continue visiting and training with football and netball teams when possible as the season kicks into gear.
Birrell mentions the growing awareness of clubs’ need for equity in sport change room facilities for women and girls and seeks to address this as a core element of the grant program.
“More often than not clubs require facility upgrades,” Birrell said.
“It's important no opportunity is missed by community-based sporting clubs to address the growing need for better standards that reflect and support the growing participation of women and girls.”
Applications for the grant close on Monday, April 29.