VICHEALTH ACTIVE CLUB GRANTS PROGRAM

The Nationals Member for Gippsland Province PETER HALL is encouraging Gippsland sporting clubs to take advantage of the Active Club Grants Program.

"This VicHealth initiative invites local sporting clubs, regional sporting leagues and associations and local active recreation clubs to apply for funding which focuses on providing community sport and recreation opportunities," Mr Hall said.

Often local sport and active recreation organisations having identified a need within their community for a new team or activity, find it difficult to acquire funding for the essential equipment or training required to allow the team/group to start the activity. This could be the only barrier to participation, and is sometimes a one-off cost.

Mr Hall said grants of up to $2500 are available to eligible sports clubs and organisations to purchase equipment or training.

Funding through the Active Club Grants program will include sports injury prevention equipment like helmets, goal post padding, batting pads, and protective gloves; essential equipment required to participate in an activity such as bats, racquets, gloves, first aid kits for new teams; volunteer training would cover first aid training and training of officials such as umpires, referees and lines people; and where there has been a demonstrated need for portable shades structures pop-up shade tents or marquees and umbrellas could be funded for use by club members.

"Physically active communities are more likely to be healthier communities and active people are more likely to experience a better quality of life. I invite Gippsland sports groups and organisations to apply for funding through the VicHealth Active Club Grants Program to encourage and increase opportunities for people to participate in physical activity and improve the safety of active recreation environments," Mr Hall said.

Applications close Friday 9th December, 2005. Guidelines and application forms are available from Mr Hall's electorate office in Traralgon on 5174 7066 or can be downloaded from VicHealth's website: www.vichealth.vic.gov.au

Media contact: Peter Hall (03) 5174 7066