A phone call from Federal Independent MP Helen Haines brought more than Christmas cheer to sporting organisations across Indi, with more than $4.4 million allocated across through the ‘Play Our Way’ program.
Six organisations from Indi were awarded federal government grants ranging from $74,666 to $1.45 million to increase access and participation for women and girls in sport and physical activity.
Dr Haines said the funding would improve the standard and safety of key facilities in sporting clubs that received funding in the latest round.
Organisations that received funding in Indi are:
- Alexandra and District Speedway Inc. – $74,666 for a female friendly amenities block
- Beechworth Chain Gang Inc. – $354,100 for its Ride, Rest and Connect project
- Mansfield Shire – $1,280,772 for female inclusive rooms
- Tallangatta and District Netball Association Inc. – $553,595 for upgrade of the netball facility at Sandy Creek Reserve
- Thornton District Sports Club Inc. – $705,482 to upgrade infrastructure, ground lighting, electronic scoreboard and goal nets
- Wangaratta Rovers Football Netball Club Inc. – $1,450,000 for new women’s football and netball changerooms
“Clubs and organisations across Indi put extensive work into their master planning and grant application process to apply for funding like this,” said Dr Haines.
“Local sport is a really important part of regional towns and fundraising alone isn’t enough to provide the infrastructure upgrades that clubs need to provide their community with safe and accessible facilities.”
Dr Haines telephoned the successful organisations from the car in-between electorate visits last week.
“I was so delighted to phone the successful associations and clubs, like Kath Evans as Project Manager from Tallangatta & District Netball Association, to tell them the good news and hear the joy and excitement in their voices.”
“Having attended the Tallangatta and District Football League and Netball Association grand final back in September, I saw first-hand what they needed and how collaboratively the committees from both the Tallangatta and District Netball Association and the Tallangatta and District Football League were working to put their best case forward.”
“Funding for upgrades to the Sandy Creek facility will support 12 clubs across the Netball Association, providing a lasting benefit for the wider community.”
“I am pleased to provide support across Indi to organisations with grant information, helping them navigate the application process and providing letters of support and other advocacy. I commend the organisations across Indi who are proactively seeking opportunities to apply for grants to improve their facilities.”