The Andrews Labor Government is supporting more Aboriginal Victorians to get into the game by providing grants for travel to sporting events or to purchase uniforms and equipment.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced 72 community organisations and individuals will receive more than $72,000 through the latest round of the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program.
The program provides grants of up to $1,500 for teams to participate in state-wide or national carnivals, up to $1,000 for uniforms and equipment, and up to $750 for travel and accommodation expenses.
The latest round of recipients includes Parkdale Gift’s Spirit of Sprinting Program, which has been awarded funds to support sprinter Khoder Jackson to set his mark on Australia’s oldest and richest short-distance race, the Stawell Gift.
Melbourne Warriors Sports Club received $1,500 for its Under 12 Boys footballers to go to the Southern Aboriginal Sports Football and Netball Carnival.
Casey Netball Association received $750 to assist Anna Solomon, from Gippsland, to advance her development as a netballer in the Victorian Netball League.
Since the start of the program in 2020, the Labor Government has provided over 200 grants totalling more than $212,000 to Aboriginal community run organisations, clubs, and individuals across the state.
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
“From Test cricket’s new hero Scott Boland, a Gulidjan man from Western Victoria, to track and field athlete Angie Blackburn, a Yuin/Monero woman from far East Gippsland, Victoria has some amazing Aboriginal sporting stars.”
“Sport plays a vital role connecting people and bringing communities together and I’m proud to help make that happen for all Victorians.”
As stated by Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams
“These grants will help pave the way for the next generation by giving more Aboriginal Victorians an opportunity to embrace an active and healthy lifestyle and tap into all the sport and career pathways that grassroots community sport offers.”
Quote attributable sprint athlete Khoder Jackson
“To be mentored by former Olympian Kyle Vander-Kuyp and former champion athlete Belinda Duarte and to secure a place to compete at this year’s Stawell Gift is a dream come true and I thank the Government for their support.”
