New grants for rural and regional sport facilities

There are 26 new infrastructure projects that will share in $20 million from the first round of the Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund, kicking in for a bright future for sport and recreation across rural and regional Victoria.

The Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre will get almost $750,000 to add three accessible and sensory friendly change rooms and, install automatic gates and sliding doors at the venue – providing easy access for the whole community.

Backed by $1 million from the Fund, the Seymour Tennis Complex will receive an upgrade to four of its courts, including a new synthetic grass surface and club competition-standard 350 lux LED lighting.

$1 million will also go towards the new Port Fairy Skate and Play Precinct which will have a skate park, playground, picnic shelters and games activity zone for the whole Port Fairy community to enjoy.

The Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund encourages councils, clubs and communities to work together to design the facilities their community needs, with a focus on getting more people involved regardless of their age, gender or ability.

The fund builds on more than $23 million announced in the 2024-25 Victorian Budget to provide top community sports infrastructure and initiatives that boost participation and inclusion in local sport.

From playground redevelopments to new sporting hubs, investments like these provide high-quality and accessible places for Victorians to reap the benefits of sport and active recreation.

These projects are all about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities.

Over the past decade the Victorian Government has invested more than $1.9 billion invested in community sport and recreation infrastructure.

The second round of the fund is set to open later this year. For more information about the Fund and successful projects visit Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.