A new grant stream has opened to allow sporting clubs update their equipment, train their volunteers and improve their operational effectiveness.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, has encouraged all local clubs and organisations to apply for round two of the Sporting Club Grants program, which is open until February 15, 2017.

“Grant streams like this offer a great opportunity for clubs and associations to purchased new equipment and help improve their overall capabilities,” Mr Bull said.

Mr Bull said the grants program had three categories:

• Uniforms or Equipment – up to $1000 to purchase new uniforms or equipment vital for participation in the sport (category one).

• Skill Development – up to $2000 to improve the skills of club members by providing training for coaches, officials, administration staff and management committees (category two).

• Club Operational Capacity – up to $5000 to improve the operational effectiveness and efficiency of clubs through strategic planning, or to increase community participation through accessible sport and active recreation opportunities (category three).

“Clubs and organisations can submit one application in category one and one in either category two or three in each funding round.”

Mr Bull said 14 organisations from across the Gippsland East electorate were successful in round one of the Sporting Club Grants program.

“Lindenow Football Netball Club, for example, received $5000 for a strategic plan to help prepare for the future, while many others including the Maffra and Stratford bowling clubs received funding for new uniforms and equipment.”

Caption: Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, with Lindenow Football Netball Club representatives Chris Blandford (president), Joanne Hurley, Luke Dyer and Alyshia Kennedy, who received a $5000 Sporting Club Grant earlier this year.

Friday, December 9, 2016