Early wins for country footy and netball In 2024

Twelve new projects across the state have been backed by the Government’s Country Football and Netball Program – ensuring sport remains the lifeblood of communities across the state for generations to come.

The new projects will share in more than $2.5 million from the program that’s been kicking goals for country sport since 2005.

This year’s round will see the Riddell Bombers Football Netball Club score support for new oval lighting to boost female and all abilities participation at their home, the Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve.

Secretary of Riddell Football Netball Club Lauren Nolen said thanks to this boost our much-loved home ground will be brought back into the modern era, providing the club more opportunities to expand our teams and host the big games.

Home of the Penshurst Football Netball Club and Mininera and District Football League has also scored funding for new drainage and to replace turf with drought resistant grass and upgrade the irrigation.

Gaskin Park, home of the Churchill Junior Football Club, Churchill Football and Netball Club and Gippsland Power Football Club can now  install new 100 lux LED competition sports lighting whilst Daylesford Football Netball Club have secured investment to upgrade the netball court and oval lighting at Victoria Park.

Developed in partnership with the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria, the Program has invested more than $21.3 million in 180 country football and netball infrastructure projects.

CEO of Netball Victoria Andrea Pearman said community sport is the lifeblood of many of our regional Victorian communities.

'The Country Football and Netball Program offers invaluable support, enabling greater participation and delivering improved facilities across the state to help meet the growing demand in our game,' she said.

Head of AFL Victoria Greg Madigan said the funding support provided via the Country Football and Netball Program continues to have a major impact on local football clubs and communities across Victoria, which benefit greatly from the development of new and upgraded facilities.

'AFL Victoria recognises the ongoing partnership and support of the Victorian Government, with the program to build on the significant investment in community sporting infrastructure it has delivered over the last two decades,' he said.

The Victorian Budget 2023/24 is providing more than $213 million to deliver and improve community sports infrastructure and support initiatives that boost participation and inclusion in local sports clubs and organisations.

The new Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund is also investing up to $60 million to help local clubs update their infrastructure and facilities to welcome more people to community sport and recreation.

For latest information about the program and successful grant recipients visit the Country Football and Netball Program.