Media Releases

Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, is inviting sporting groups in the Swan Hill electorate to apply to the 2009/10 VicHealth Active Club Grants.

“VicHealth will provide grants of up to $2,500 to clubs and organisations to purchase essential sporting equipment, injury prevention equipment, portable shade and volunteer training,” Mr Walsh said.

“Playing sport is a healthy thing to do and these 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.

“Each year the VicHealth Active Club Grants assist Victorians of all ages to become active and this is increasingly important as we see a lack of physical activity in the growing numbers of Australians with chronic diseases and other health problems,” he said.

“Research has shown that sport and shared recreation activities are often a means for building community pride and loyalty and the development of personal self worth.

“Research has also shown that a lack of equipment is a major barrier to participation in physical activity particularly by the most disadvantaged members of our community.

“The VicHealth Active Club Grants support sporting and recreational organisations to remove these barriers to participation,” Mr Walsh said.

Recipients of 2008/09 Active Club Grants in the Swan Hill electorate included the 1st Barham Scouts, Charlton Badminton Club, Kerang Rovers Appin Football/Netball Club, Manangatang Tennis Club, North Central Netball Association, Nyah Two Bays Swan Hill Swimming Club, Quambatook Netball Club, Rich Avon Services Cricket Club, Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers Football Club, Sea Lake Tiger Sharks Swimming Club, Swan Hill & District Campdraft Club, Swan Hill Junior Soccer League, Swan Hill Little Athletics and the Swan Hill Pony Club,.

“Participating in an active lifestyle is a healthy thing to do and the Active Club Grants Program is good news for our sporting and recreation organisations and provides an opportunity to improve physical activity and increase the health and wellbeing of participants,” Mr Walsh said.

Eligible sport and recreation organisations are invited to apply for grants on line through VicHealth’s website at www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/activeclub. Applications close Friday December 4.