Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, is encouraging sports and active recreation clubs to apply for VicHealth grants to help purchase core equipment and injury prevention items.

Mr Bull, who served on the VicHealth board for three years, said the Active Club Grants aimed to make it easier for clubs to fund items or equipment which helped them to improve safety, to reach out to new participants, and keep our communities connected.

“They also play an important role in supporting more Victorians to become active.

“This is increasingly important as we see the impact of a lack of physical activity in the growing numbers of people with chronic diseases and other health problems.

“To create greater opportunities for clubs to access Active Club Grants, VicHealth will run two rounds of funding, opening Monday 17 August 2015 and again on Monday 1st February 2016.

Applications for the first round of Active Club Grants can be submitted now until Friday 18 September 2015.

VicHealth CEO Jerril Rechter said this year they are offering clubs the option apply for the traditional grant of up to $3,000 or a larger grant of up to $10,000 for core equipment that will help increase or maintain participation through their club.

“We are offering up to 10 of these larger grants per round for clubs that can make a big impact and enable a greater number of Victorians to start or continue being physically active.

“This may include large clubs with a high number of teams, clubs that are seeking to implement new programs and activities to increase participation, clubs trying to reach new community members, or clubs in areas experiencing significant population growth,” she said.

For further information or to apply for this grant online, visit www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/activeclub

Round 1 – opens Monday 17 August 2015 and closes Friday 18 September 2015

Round 2 -  opens Monday 1 February 2016 and closes Friday 4 March 2016