A Goulburn Valley sporting club is among the recipients that will receive grants supporting Aboriginal athletes in their quests for sporting success.
The State Government’s Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program aims to help athletes with the cost of uniforms, equipment and travel costs for sports carnivals.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence announced on Friday, February 9, that 48 teams, athletes and sports organisations will receive grants from the latest round of the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program.
“From Ash Barty to Patty Mills, Aboriginal athletes have done us proud on and off the sporting arena and this program aims to inspire our next generation to follow in their footsteps,” Ms Spence said.
Yakapna Sporting Club in Shepparton will receive $5000 towards its under 12 girls netball and under 17 boys football teams to participate in the VACSAL Junior State-wide Aboriginal Football Netball Carnival in Geelong.
Yakapna Sporting Club Chairperson Graham Briggs said the grant will make a significant difference to the club and its community.
“It will make a substantial difference by providing a safer and more enjoyable environment for community members to engage in sport and recreational activities and increased opportunities for our youth,” Mr Briggs said.
“With the funding, the club can expand its youth programs, including coaching and mentorship initiatives.”
Mildura Basketball Association has been granted more than $11,000 for 17 players, aged 10 to 17, to participate in the Mildura Heat Junior Representative program at tournaments in Mildura, Swan Hill, Geelong, Shepparton, Bendigo and Adelaide during the summer season.
Since 2020, the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program has provided more than 410 grants, totalling more than $482,000, to Aboriginal Community Controlled Originations and sporting clubs and associations.
Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins said the grants are an essential part of building connections in the community.
“These grants not only support Aboriginal athletes to compete in the sports they love, but they also build important relationships and connections that help strengthen the community sport sector,” she said.
For more information about the program and the latest successful recipients, visit sport.vic.gov.au