One of the region’s football-netball clubs has received a major financial boost to help fund their women and girls’ programs.
Murchison-Toolamba Football Netball Club will be given a $475,015 grant through the Federal Government’s Play Our Way program.
The Play Our Way initiative is aimed at removing barriers, addressing discrimination and promoting equality for women and girls to participate in sport and physical activity.
The grant is part of a $1.44 million pledge that includes a $967,250 grant to the Mitchell Shire Council.
Murchison-Toolamba will use the nearly half-a-million dollar grant to build an all-abilities accessible female change room and toilet block which will provide for the Hoppers' female participants, officials, volunteers and community.
Federal Sport Minister Anika Wells said the Play Our Way program was critical in supporting female sport in regional areas.
“Play Our Way is all about creating greater opportunities for women and girls to have an equal chance to get the fun, satisfaction and health benefits sport offers,” Wells said.
“The huge response to the grants and the range of great project ideas, show that Australian communities want to be more supportive of women and girls.”
Victorian Senator Jana Stewart said these grants would help unite regional sporting communities.
“Having grown up in the regions myself, I know how important this funding is for our beloved regional sporting clubs,” Stewart.
“Sport brings our communities together and this funding will help unite even more of us.
“I am confident that this funding will be a game changer for our women and girls, especially in our regions, to thrive and grow through sport.
“Regional Victoria is home to some of the best sporting clubs and talents and I am thrilled that the Albanese Labor Government is supporting clubs to promote inclusivity and accessibility and nurture some of our future sporting stars.”