VIC HEALTH’S $660K FUNDING FOR ACTIVE CLUBS NOW OPEN
17-November-2011
Sports clubs in our local area are encouraged to apply for VicHealth grants of up to $2, 500 each for new equipment, injury prevention equipment, portable shade and volunteer training.
Applications for the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) 2011/2012 Active Club Grants funding can be submitted now until Thursday 8 December 2011.
A total of $660 000 is available to local sporting clubs, regional sporting leagues and associations and local active recreation clubs across Victoria.
“The grants aim to make it easier for clubs to fund items or activities that help them to improve safety and to reach out to new participants” Neale Burgess said.
“Each year the grants support more Victorians to become active and this is increasingly important as we see the impact of a lack of physical activity in the growing numbers of Australians with chronic diseases and other health problems” said Mr Burgess.
More than 8, 800 sporting codes and clubs across Victoria have received Active Club Grants over the 22 years VicHealth has provided this support. More than1 million club members have been able to access safer and better equipped clubs with more trained volunteers.
VicHealth CEO, Jerril Rechter said physical inactivity contributes to obesity and heart disease, costing the Australian health system up to $400 million every year. “We’re keen to encourage the involvement of people who are currently inactive, or who face barriers to taking part in sport” Ms Rechter said.
This year’s grants focus on people aged over 60, who traditionally have low rates of sports participation and young people aged five to 17 years old and sports that are vulnerable to on field emergencies.
Eligible sport and recreation organisations are invited to apply for this grant online at www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/activeclub or to post completed applications to VicHealth, 15-31 Pelham Street, Carlton, VIC 3053.
The funding round closes 4pm Thursday 8 December, 2011.
Media: Neale Burgess 5977 5600