There are more opportunities for people living in Ballarat to get active and healthy with six local sporting clubs sharing in over $737,000 in funding from VicHealth for sports clubs across the state.

Through VicHealth’s funding, local sports clubs have created more opportunities for women and girls to get active by offering new female teams or programs, and providing facilities and equipment to ensure clubs can grow with their community.

The grants will also support clubs to introduce social, flexible and accessible sports programs to empower more people in the community to give sport a go regardless of their ability, gender or cultural background.

Building on the success of VicHealth’s This Girl Can – Victoria campaign, 50 clubs across Victoria will also receive funding to promote active lifestyles as part of a state-wide movement to get more women active.

Labor MP for Wendouree, Juliana Addison, today visited Ballarat City Rowing Club to announce the successful recipients of VicHealth grants, including:

• $3,000 for Ballarat City Rowing Club to introduce a Mothers and Daughters learn-to-row program.
• $2,960 for Ballarat District Golf to introduce a rookie program to their successful Girls Development Squad.
• $2,416 for Ballarat Lawn Tennis Club to introduce new social tennis opportunities.
• $3,000 for Ballarat Squash and Racquetball Association to introduce a program for children aged 9-12.
• $3,000 for Ballarat Tenpin Bowling Association to introduce a program for primary school aged children with a disability.
• $3,000 for Wendouree Ballarat Rowing Club to introduce a program to draw previous rowers back to the sport.

Ms Addison said she’s excited to see more activities, teams and opportunities for less active people in the community to get involved in sport.

“Active Club Grants help to create more fantastic opportunities for people of all ages, genders and abilities to get active and enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle,” Ms Addison said.

“Being involved in community sport is a great outlet for everyone, where you can make new friends and improve your own health and wellbeing. There are great opportunities for people in Ballarat to join a local club and get active.

“Local clubs and associations contribute play such an important role in our community, and I’m proud to support this funding to help them provide great opportunities for the people of Ballarat to get involved,” she said.

VicHealth CEO Dr Sandro Demaio said Active Club Grants have supported hundreds of clubs across Victoria to get more people in their community moving in new ways.

“We’re thrilled to be able to support local sport clubs in Ballarat to provide more opportunities for the community to get active through a sport they enjoy,” Dr Demaio said.

For more information about VicHealth’s Active Clubs Grants including a full list of funded clubs, go to www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/activeclub