First Nations athletes across Ripon will have more opportunities to compete in the sports they love, with a new state-wide grants program aimed at boosting sport participation among First Nations communities, backed by the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett welcomed the latest round of the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program, which provides grants for travel, uniforms, equipment and participation in sports carnivals.

The program offers grants of up to $2,500 per junior team and $1,500 per senior team towards travel and accommodation costs for participating in Victorian or national Aboriginal sporting carnivals and tournaments, as well as up to $1,000 to cover team uniforms and sports equipment.

Eligible individuals can access up to $250 per person to purchase sporting uniforms and equipment, and up to $750 for travel and accommodation expenses.

Previous grant recipients include Ballarat basketballer River Sisic was able to participate in regional tournaments throughout the year, thanks to $530 in funding from the program.

Since 2020, the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program has provided more than 430 grants, totaling more than $460,000, to community run clubs and individuals as part of the Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting Victoria’s Indigenous communities.

It’s part of the more than $1.9 billion invested in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014.

Applications for funding are open until 20 October. For more information or to apply, visit sport.vic.gov.au.

Quote attributable to Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence

“These grants are about getting more people involved in sport, levelling the playing field for our First Nations sports players, and helping to launch the next generation of Victorian sporting champions.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“Sport plays a vital role connecting people, bringing communities together and inspiring current and future athletes.”

“We want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to pursue the sport they love – no matter where they live.”