Two Indigenous Shepparton sporting groups have landed windfalls through a new grants rollout.
The Victorian Government’s Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program awarded cash injections to the Cummeragunja Gurranyin Sports Club and Goulburn Valley Aboriginal Education Consultative Inc.
Funding falls into two categories — travel costs and uniforms.
Cummeragunja Gurranyin Sports Club was a successful recipient grants in the former bracket for netball, football and basketball while Goulburn Valley Aboriginal Education Consultative Inc scored one grant for football/netball.
Those grants offered up to $2500 to assist with travel costs so clubs can attend state and nationwide sporting carnivals.
Meanwhile, both Shepparton-based organisations accessed funds to purchase uniforms, with up to $1000 per grant available from the cash stream.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence welcomed the financial backing with open arms.
“The next generation of First Nations athletes are set to do their clubs and communities proud, and we are backing them to succeed with this game-changing program,” she said.
Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins backed up Spence’s sentiment.
“It’s fantastic to see even more Aboriginal athletes get their chance to follow in the footsteps of First Nations champions and reach their potential in the sport they love,” Hutchins said.
For more information about the program and the latest successful recipients visit sport.vic.gov.au/funding/aboriginal-sport-participation-grant-program
Applications for round two of the grants scheme open on February 4, 2025, and close at 11.59 pm on March 4 next year, with outcomes to be notified in April.