Today, the Victorian Liberal Nationals are calling for the immediate delivery of a $10 million fund to get community sport back on its feet.
After six yo-yo lockdowns, grassroots sporting clubs across Victoria have suffered 18 months of cancellations, ripping the soul out of much-loved outlets for communities.
Participant and volunteer bases have been eroded and facilities and equipment left unused and gathering dust.
Many sporting clubs now face significant financial pressures and need additional support to restart in time for the coming summer season and beyond.
Under this new funding program, individual sporting clubs could apply for up to $50,000 in funding towards kick-starting operations and supporting ongoing financial viability.
Local clubs significantly contribute to the physical and mental health of hundreds of thousands of sportspeople, volunteers and families across the state.
As Victoria continues towards National Cabinet vaccination thresholds, we need a plan to save local sport and get communities back together.
As stated by Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Guy:
“Grassroots sport is a pillar of local communities, its benefits on physical and mental wellbeing are enormous.
“Victorians need hope so let’s act now to have a COVID-Safe summer season of local sport.
“This funding is an important step to support local sporting organisations to get back on their feet.”
As stated by Shadow Minister for Sport, Cindy McLeish:
“Local sporting clubs bind communities together and must not be another COVID casualty.
“Many clubs across the state are on their knees and need urgent support to restart in time for summer.
“What better way to move on from COVID than to get local sporting clubs back up and running?”
