Ms VAGHELA (Western Metropolitan): My adjournment matter is directed to the Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Youth, the Honourable Ros Spence, MP. My adjournment relates to the minister’s portfolio responsibilities for community sport.
The Andrews Labor government is determined to continue backing sports clubs and leagues in their time of need amidst the pandemic. Applications are now open for all Victorian clubs that have endured losses as a result of the current lockdown, who are all eligible to apply, regardless of if clubs have received grants in earlier rounds of the program. Community sporting clubs have endured tough circumstances during this pandemic, with restrictions on competitions and training. It is intended that these vital support measures will assist sporting clubs in preparation for returning back to the game in light of the announcement under the Victorian road map. This includes a $10 million fourth round grant of the community sport sector COVID-19 survival package—taking the package to support these key grassroots organisations to $50 million. This package is crucial in supporting these sporting hubs which are integral parts in Victorian communities. With this relief the government is aiming to boost support for thousands of sports clubs, leagues and associations affected by public health restrictions to curb the spread of the highly infectious delta strain of coronavirus.
Clubs will be able to apply for grants of $1500 and local leagues and associations $2500 to cover costs and lost revenue associated with the cancellation of training, development programs and competition. The community sport sector COVID-19 survival package has supported more than 6300 clubs. In addition, a further 430 leagues and associations and 75 state sporting associations, organisations and regional academies have also been supported.
The action I seek from the minister is: can the minister please provide me with an update on how this important funding will be shared with sporting clubs and associations in my electorate of Western Metropolitan Region?
Reply:
Ros Spence MP Minister for Community Sport(16/11/2021):
I thank the Member for her question and for her support of community sport in the Western Metropolitan Region.
As the Member has noted, a fourth round of the Community Sport Sector COVID-19 Survival Package (the Program) opened on 28 September. This funding round is providing an additional $10 million support to more than 6,000 clubs, associations and leagues and is on top of the $40 million previously allocated to the Program.
Grants of $2,500 are being provided to associations and leagues, and grants of $1,500 for clubs and community sporting and active recreation organisations. Previous recipients from any of the first three funding rounds are eligible to opt-in for top-up payments of $2,500 for associations and leagues, and $1,500 for clubs.
Associations, leagues, clubs and community sport and active recreation organisations that have received funding in the first three rounds received notification of their eligibility to receive a top-up payment.
This funding is available to support ongoing fixed costs, essential salary costs and any other costs that keep organisations viable, and for the purchase equipment and cleaning supplies as restrictions ease.
Media releases were issued to promote the Program when it opened, with accompanying social media activity. The Program was also promoted via a newsletter from Sport and Recreation Victoria to more than 6,000 previous applicants of recent funding programs. In addition, information about the Program was sent to recognised State Sporting Associations, State Sport and Active Recreation Bodies, Regional Sports Assemblies, Regional Academies of Sport, Local Government Authorities and local sporting clubs and other relevant networks.
I’m pleased to advise that in the first three rounds of the Program, $1,836,500 in funding has been provided to 681 clubs, leagues and associations located in the Local Government Areas of Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham.
I would like to commend the Member for Western Metropolitan Region for her continued interest in the needs of the community sport and recreation sector.