The Andrews Labor Government is giving Eastern Metropolitan Region clubs, sporting organisations and councils an unprecedented boost to fund modern, inclusive and safe grassroots sports facilities, grounds and multi-sport indoor stadiums.

Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region, Shaun Leane today announced applications to a range of community grant programs are now open, thanks to a record investment of $241.6 million into community sport in the 18/19 budget.

The Community Sports Infrastructure Fund received a huge $60 million boost that will provide high quality, accessible community sport and active recreation infrastructure across Victoria.

Over the last four years the Community Sports Infrastructure Fund has helped countless communities improve their sporting facilities and  provide modern, safe, inclusive and fully-accessible facilities with room to grow and welcome more members than ever before.

Our ground breaking Female Friendly Facilities Fund is also now open and funding significantly with $15 million available, because we know women and girls in Eastern Metropolitan Region deserve the same opportunities and support as men.

So far the Female Friendly Facilities Fund has funded more than 100 projects worth a total of $60 million across the state, helping more than 200 clubs transform ageing facilities and provide more opportunities for women and girls to play the sports they love.

The Better Indoor Stadiums Fund is also now open to help more sporting organisations, working with their local councils, develop new, or expand existing indoor multi-sport stadiums to meet soaring demand for greater court space.

These stadiums are a hive of activity for more than 450,000 Victorians that play indoor sports like volleyball, basketball, netball and badminton.

Clubs in Eastern Metropolitan Region will also benefit from a new $100 million Community Sport Infrastructure Loans Scheme that will provide low interest loans to fast track important community sporting facilities that could otherwise fall short on funding.

This is one of the biggest ever investments in participation in sport and recreation by an Australian state government.

For more information about all these grants or to apply online visit www.sport.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region, Shaun Leane

“These grants are is about giving our grassroots sporting clubs the facilities they deserve and can be proud of here in Eastern Metropolitan Region.”

“We know demand for facilities for women and girls is outstripping supply – that’s why we’re ensuring more players can be involved where they want, when they want.”

“We’re helping clubs transform tired sports grounds, ageing clubrooms and stadiums to encourage more people to get involved and stay fit and healthy here in Eastern Metropolitan Region.”

Quote attributable to Head, Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, Dr Bridie O’Donnell

 “This government is doing absolutely everything it can to make sure women and girls have absolutely every opportunity to be involved in sport and recreation and are met with a welcoming environment when they walk through the door.”