The State Government is backing Victoria’s next generation of Aboriginal athletes with new grants available for uniforms, equipment, travel, and participation in sport carnivals.
Community Sport Minister Ros Spence announced on Friday 14 June the latest grant recipients and the opening of the next round of applications for the popular Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program.
The program delivers grants of up to $1000 for team uniforms and sport equipment, as well as up to $2500 for teams for travel and accommodation costs so they can participate in both Victorian or national carnivals and tournaments.
Individuals can also access up to $250 to purchase sporting uniforms and equipment, and up to $750 for travel and accommodation expenses.
Community Sport Minister Ros Spence said the grant is a great support for First Nations athletes.
“These grants provide an opportunity for our next generation of First Nations athletes to play the sports they love and follow in the footsteps of other legendary First Nations athletes,” Mr Spence said.
“I am encouraging sports clubs, Aboriginal organisations, local participants and volunteers to apply for the next round of grants to support the First Nations athletes in your community.”
In the last round of recipients Vic Eagles basketball club received $4,000 to help their under 15 girls, under 15 boys, and men’s and women’s basketball teams travel to the First Nations Championships in Queensland.
Koorie Academy of Basketball in the previous round also received $1,000 towards the Koorie Academy Allstars Vs Treaty in the 2024 Treaty Cup in Melbourne during NAIDOC week in July.
The Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program reflects the Government’s strong support for the Victorian Aboriginal community and building stronger connections with the community sport sector.
Treaty and First Peoples Minister Natalie Hutchins said the grant will help First Nations athletes to go further with their ambitions.
“We’re supporting more Aboriginal athletes to take part in the sports they love, without worrying about the costs of uniforms and equipment.”
Since 2020, the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program has provided more than 420 grants to community sport clubs and individuals in Victoria’s Indigenous communities.
Applications for the next round of funding are open until 9 July 2024. For more information or to apply visit sport.vic.gov.au.
