Aboriginal sport groups, athletes and coaches across Victoria will share in the latest funds allocated for gear and getting on the park under an ongoing state government grant program.
On Wednesday, a collective release of more than $100,000 in funds through the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program was announced.
According to the state government, more than 457 grants have been provided since 2020.
In September 2023, the figure was $460,000 across over 430 grants.
Support is available for participation, travel and accommodation to state-wide and national competitions, for representative sport and for uniforms and equipment under three funding categories. For each, it is required that all players, team members and coaches identify as First Nations.
In the latest allocation, First Nations Melbourne Rugby League Incorporated receives over $3400 to help send their u14 boys and girls sides to play in this year's Harmony Cup in northern Melbourne across the final weekend of October.
In its second year, the cup invites organisations from different cultural backgrounds together to compete in the rugby league 9s format.
NRL Victoria announced First Nations Australian, Māori, various other Pasifika, Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands and Great Britain amongst the communities represented.
First Nations Melbourne Rugby League Incorporated president Jarrod Stains said sport is "an important way for us to connect with each other and build confidence among other lifelong skills".
"Receiving this grant will enable us to bring players and their families from all over the State to compete in the Harmony Cup and connect over the game we love," he said.
To attend VACSAL's annual Senior Football and Netball Carnival in Portarlington in October, Robinvale Manatunga Sports Club is backed by a $3000 grant.
Victorian Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins said it was "fantastic to see even more Aboriginal athletes get their chance to follow in the footsteps of First Nations champions and reach their potential in the sport they love".
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said the next generation of First Nations athletes "are set to do their clubs and communities proud, and we are backing them to succeed with this game-changing program".
Aboriginal Sporting Carnivals
- Grants of up to $2,500 per junior team and $1,500 per senior team for travel and accommodation costs for teams to participate in State-wide or National Carnivals
- Eligible organisations can apply for up to 10 separate teams or individuals under one application, however, under category 1 a separate application must be submitted for each specific sporting event.
Uniforms or Equipment
- Grants of up to $1,000 per team, club and association and up to $250 per individual to purchase sporting uniforms and/or equipment.
- Eligible organisations can apply for up to 10 separate teams or individuals under one application.
Athlete Participation Support
- Grants of up to $750 for athletes and coaches to assist with travel and accommodation costs to compete or train in regional, state and national competitions or representative teams.
- Eligible organisations can apply for up to 10 individuals under one application, however, under category 3 a separate application must be submitted for each specific sporting event.
