- Published:
- Tuesday 28 September 2021
The Victorian Government is boosting support for thousands of sports clubs, leagues and associations affected by public health restrictions to curb the spread of the highly infectious Delta strain of coronavirus.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced that applications were open for a $10 million fourth round of the Community Sport Sector COVID-19 Survival Package – taking the package to support these key grassroots organisations to $50 million.
The Community Sport Sector COVID-19 Survival Package has to date provided a lifeline for more than 6,300 clubs, with a further 430 leagues and associations and 75 state sporting associations, organisations and regional academies also supported.
All Victorian clubs that have suffered losses due to the current lockdown will be eligible to apply, including clubs that have been awarded grants in earlier rounds of the program.
Clubs and associations are doing it tough with restrictions on training and competitions and the new support will allow thousands of local clubs to move to a secure footing to return to play under the Victorian roadmap released last Sunday.
In the fourth round, clubs can apply for a grant of $1,500 and local leagues and associations $2,500 to cover costs and lost revenue associated with the cancellation of training, development programs and competition.
Previous recipients will be asked to respond to an email from Sport and Recreation Victoria by 29 October 2021 to receive their top-up grant.
For further information and a list of all recipients of the Community Sport Sector COVID-19 Survival Package, visit sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
“Community sporting clubs are the backbone of many local communities and this will help support them through very tough times.”
“These clubs are a second home to many people and the support they receive is in effect support for the hundreds of thousands of players, volunteers and supporters who make these organisations so valuable.”
Quote attributable to Bendigo Pistol Club Secretary Julie Fletcher
“These funds have been really important in assisting with the ongoing impact of the pandemic. We look forward to mapping our way out of restrictions and to get our sport up and running again – safely.”
Quote attributable to Sunshine Softball Association Secretary Jo Ingram
“The Board and Members of Sunshine Softball Association thank the Government sincerely for this support package to help softball continue to thrive in these trying times for everyone.”