Up to $100,000 is available from Country Football and Netball Program to develop facilities in rural, regional and outer metropolitan locations.
Country Football and Netball Program
The Country Football and Netball Program provides funding to assist country football and netball clubs, associations and umpiring organisations to develop facilities in rural, regional and outer metropolitan locations including: change room facilities for players and umpires of both genders; development or upgrading of football playing fields; development or upgrading of netball facilities; and development or upgrading of lighting facilities.
Background
The Country Football and Netball Program is a response to the Parliamentary Rural and Regional Services and Development Committee’s Inquiry into Country Football Report, tabled in State Parliament in December 2004.
Improving football and netball facilities in rural, regional and outer metropolitan areas will support the regional and rural way of life and ensure the sustainability of country football and netball into the future.
Funding
Councils may be successful in receiving up to $100,000 per financial year. This can comprise of one large project seeking $100,000 or up to three smaller projects across different sites.
Eligible Projects
Improving participation outcomes is a key objective of the program. Applications must clearly demonstrate how the project will improve participation outcomes. Specifically proposals should demonstrate how the project:
- will increase or maintain participation
- encourages participation by females, juniors, people living in growth areas and communities experiencing disadvantage
- improves the health and wellbeing of the community
- caters for non-traditional participants
- collaborates with AFL Victoria, Netball Victoria or relevant peak bodies
- encourages development of multi-use, shared and co-located facilities
- improves or implements Environmentally Sustainable Design
- applies or demonstrates principles of Universal Design.
Examples of potential projects include:
- modifying existing football and netball facilities to improve usage and access such as:
- unisex change room facilities and amenities for players and umpires
- multi-purpose meeting spaces catering for community and education programs.
- development or upgrading football and netball playing surfaces
- development or upgrading of football or netball lighting.
Smaller scale local level projects are encouraged and will be looked at favourably as part of this program. All project applications will be assessed against the Country Football and Netball Program eligibility and assessment criteria.
Eligible Applicants
Only rural, regional and outer metropolitan councils can apply directly to Sport and Recreation Victoria.
Country football and netball clubs, associations and umpiring organisations can register their interest in applying for funding by submitting an Expression of Interest to their local council. Clubs and associations are advised to contact their local council about timelines for Expressions of Interest.
Timing
Applications close 26 July 2017.
More Information
- Source
- Program Guidelines
Media Release
Football and netball clubs in regional Victoria will be able to update tired grounds and build the facilities they need with help from the Andrews Labor Government’s Country Football and Netball Program.
Minister for Sport John Eren today announced a new grants round for the program that gives regional Victorians safe, modern facilities.
Football and netball clubs are the lifeblood of regional Victoria, where families make friends, young players become stars and the community gathers to support local heroes. We’re giving players, parents, volunteers and fans the great facilities they deserve.
The previous Labor Government launched the Program in 2005, and it’s since delivered $22.3 million to more than 400 projects right around the state.
Clubs can apply for grants of up to $100,000 for facility improvements like change room upgrades, court refurbishments, ground resurface works or lighting installation.
The Labor Government is listening to grassroots clubs in regional Victoria, who say they need infrastructure upgrades to keep up with growing participation rates.
Regional Victoria has a proud history of producing some of Australia’s best footballers and netballers, including modern-day stars Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield, past legends Tony Lockett and Greg Williams, and Australian netball stars Sharelle McMahon and Julie Corletto.
For more information or to apply online, visit www.sport.vic.gov.au
