New ways to play and stay active are coming to Gippsland with a range of innovative sport and recreation programs rolling out with funding from the Latrobe Valley Authority.
More than $270,000 from LVA’s Participation Initiative Grants stream has been allocated to six sporting clubs and community organisations across the region with the aim of increasing involvement in active recreation.
Hiking, skateboarding, roller derby and Indigenous ‘Coreeda Wrestling’ are among the programs to receive funding in the first round of grants.
LVA CEO Karen Cain said the funding would help to engage under-represented groups in sport and community life.
“Sport and active recreation has an integral role in the wellbeing of our community. It represents a conduit for social interaction, community inclusion and a sense of pride in accomplishment,” Ms Cain said.
“The successful first round recipients of this grants stream offer a diverse range of programs which will appeal to a broad cross section of community, including those who may be disengaged from traditional sports and other group based physical activities.
“These grants will make certain all sections of our community have access to healthy options and community programs.”
The successful first round recipients and programs are:
- Budjeri Napan: Indigenous sports program ($75,000) and Coreeda Wrestling program ($15,000)
- Indigenous sports program: Increase participation at six local clubs (reducing barriers), link with participation at state sporting carnivals, develop youth leadership program, social sport initiatives. (Latrobe City Shire)
- Coreeda wrestling program: Combining culture and activity, Coreeda is a combination of Aboriginal dance with a wrestling game in a team environment. (Latrobe City Shire)
- Latrobe Valley Tennis Association: Youth girls participation program ($12,560)
- Introductory tennis participation program leading to subsidised membership at two associations (Latrobe City and Baw Baw Shire).
- Strzelecki Bushwalking Club: Multi-night hiking program ($11,200)
- A walking program aiming to increase in challenge and duration, resulting in multi-night hikes. Includes development of marketing and resources from experienced walkers.
- Victorian YMCA: Skate park activation and leadership initiative ($45,580)
- Skate park activation including youth action sports training program, four community skate park festivals and 12 school yard to skate park programs. Also incorporates youth leadership and possible employment opportunities. (Baw Baw Shire).
- Gippsland Rangers Roller Derby: Come and try, pop-up and boot camp initiatives ($36,821)
- Increase participation through Come & Try, Pop Ups, Boot Campus Tournaments, subsidised uniforms & equipment for new people, etc.
- Hockey Victoria: Walking hockey program for over 55s ($75,000)
- Walking Hockey, several sessions over multi years, subsidised equipment and participation costs.
The Latrobe Valley Participation Initiative Grants program is part of the Victorian Government’s $85 million Sports and Community Package and is supported by funding from the Department of Health and Human Services through the Latrobe Health Innovation Zone.
LVA’s second round of Strategic Planning Grants are also live with a closing date of 19 October for new applications.
These grants aim to improve grassroots governance and operations among sporting clubs and community groups to support sustainable, welcoming and inclusive organisations in the Latrobe Valley.
For more information email david.roberts@lva.vic.gov.au or lva.grants@lva.vic.gov.au