The Victorian Government is enhancing support for sports volunteers and staff in regional areas through two new initiatives: the Sustainable Volunteer Workforce Program and the Strengthening Regional Community Sport Program.

The Sustainable Volunteer Workforce Program offers grants of up to $450,000 to state sporting associations, active recreation bodies, and regional sports assemblies. These grants will fund projects aimed at attracting and retaining volunteers, reducing their workload, and increasing participation in sports across Victoria.

Complementing this, the Strengthening Regional Community Sport Program provides up to $300,000 in grants to support state sporting organisations. The focus is on fostering collaboration, removing barriers, and increasing opportunities for underrepresented groups to participate in sports.

Dan Poynton, Executive Officer of Gippsport, praised the initiatives, stating, “Clubs and volunteers are the backbone of community sport. It’s great to see the government investing in strengthening and growing community sport in regional Victoria to help it prosper into the future.” Peter O’Dea, President of Gippsland United Football Club, added, “These programs will help clubs like ours provide better opportunities for people across regional Victoria to participate in sport as players, volunteers, coaches, and officials.”

These initiatives are part of the broader $60 million Regional Community Sport Development Fund, which aims to build infrastructure and programs that encourage more families and children in regional Victoria to get involved in sports. Supporting the development of a skilled sports workforce aligns with the objectives of Active Victoria 2022-2026, ensuring a sustainable future for Victoria’s sports industry.

Courtesy: https://sport.vic.gov.au/news/2024/july/backing-regional-sport,-volunteers-and-workforce