Building success: Country Football Netball Program grant applications open for major projects

Grants of up to $250,000 may be conferred on successful applications, to be lodged by councils, for the purposes of undertaking major projects such as changeroom facility upgrades, lighting installations and similar big builds.

First launched in 2005, the program has awarded cash grants on almost 600 occasions across its two decades, so naturally, State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland put the call out to local clubs seeking improvements.

“This funding can provide a crucial boost for so many of our local sporting clubs that are in need of critical upgrades,” Cleeland said in a statement.

“Upgrades to our sporting infrastructure will get more people playing the sport they love, help attract more people to our regional towns and ensure our sporting clubs can host major community events.

“I encourage all football and netball clubs in the region to put forward a proposal to their local council and I will be more than happy to provide any assistance where I can.”

Cleeland noted the recent overhaul at Longwood Football Netball Club, which resulted in a grant of almost $700,000 for female changeroom amenities, during a recent state Parliament session.

“Many of our region’s clubs are still in desperate need of new and fit-for-purpose equipment, facilities, and amenities that can best serve the community,” Cleeland said.

“It has been fantastic to see clubs like Longwood Football Netball Club receive funding that will allow them to carry out incredibly important upgrades, however, there are still several other deserving clubs in need of funding.

“Our local sports clubs are providing people with a strong sense of community, belonging, and an active lifestyle, and deserve all the support they can get.”

Applications for the Country Football Netball Program grants remain open until Monday, September 30.