By Callum Ludwig
A number of local sporting clubs received an early Christmas present just before the end of 2024 with the announcement of the latest recipients of funding through the Victorian Government’s Sporting Club Grants Program.
The Upper Yarra was no exception, with the Upper Yarra Pony Club, Yarra Junction Cricket Club and Powelltown Cricket Club all successful with their applications.
Upper Yarra Pony Club President Anita Prowse said their grant was obtained for uniforms, the jumpers, for riders as they are increasingly hard to find companies who make them with a shoulder sash these days, therefore incredibly expensive.
“The grant will alleviate cost issues for members allowing them to all be dressed in the proper uniform and have a sense of belonging,” she said.
“It will be a continual issue but a big relief for our members this year.”
The Yarra Junction and Powelltown Cricket Clubs each received funding to put towards on-ground uniforms and equipment and were contacted for comment.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said this is a major boost for clubs across the state.
“We’re making sure clubs have the skills and equipment they need to thrive, and get more people involved,” she said.
“We want our local sporting clubs to be backing the next generation of local champions – and these grants provide them the chance to do just that.”
More than $1.2 million was distributed to 740 different clubs across the state, for a total of 875 grants. Grants were available to help local clubs to purchase uniforms and equipment, upskill volunteers, coaches and officials, and improve their accessibility and engagement with local communities.
Overall, 25 different clubs throughout the Outer East of Melbourne were successful in applying for the grants across a range of sports including cricket, tennis, equestrian, football, soccer, basketball, inline hockey, netball, martial arts and more.
Organisations that received a grant through categories 1, 2 or 3 of the 2023-24 Sporting Club Grants Program were ineligible to apply for categories 1, 2 and 3 in 2024-25.
