Sports boost

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FOUR Macedon Ranges sports clubs are set to share in over $9000 of grant funding in the first round of the state government’s Sporting Club Grants Program.

Gisborne Soccer Club, Woodend Hesket Football Netball Club, Riddells Creek Junior Mixed Basketball Association (RCJMBA) and Hanging Rock Cricket Club are among 512 clubs across Victoria to share in $815,000 to boost their equipment, skills and administration.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas announced that clubs were recipients of the grants that provide up to $1,000 for new uniforms and equipment, up to $2,000 for training coaches, officials and volunteers, and up to $5,000 to improve operational effectiveness.

Gisborne Soccer Club, who was successful in their bid for two grants, will purchase new equipment and a first aid kit and implement a strategic planning to help increase participation.

Woodend Hesket Football Netball Club will use its grant to develop and improve the skills of committee members and club administrators, to help maximise the potential of the club to increase participation in low participation groups.

RCJMBA will use their grant to purchase new jerseys to be used for various age groups throughout the season.

Hanging Rock Cricket Club will use its grant to purchase new one day shirts for their senior men, junior and Under 15 female teams.

The Sporting Club Grants Program is part of the government’s commitment to make sport more accessible and inclusive, increase local participation, stimulate local economies, and build sustainable sport and recreation and volunteer opportunities.

The commitment builds on the state government’s investments in community sport, including more than $4 million to upgrade the Macedon electorate’s grassroots facilities.

Ms Thomas said sport is an integral part of the Macedon Ranges and these grants will increase participation and help more people play the sports they love.

“The state government continues to invest in Macedon Ranges sport and recreation, working hard to encourage and enable people from across our region to embrace a more active and healthy lifestyle.”