Big score kicks off country footy and netball in 2025

Seven facilities are set to share in more than $1.4 million from the Country Football and Netball Program, with a new round of the program now also open for applications.

Successful projects from the latest round include Ballam Park, with the park’s east oval set for an upgrade thanks to a $250,000 boost that will benefit locals including the Karingal Bulls Junior Football Club, Long Island Cricket Club and the Karingal Bulls Football Netball Club.

Leigh Gage, President of the Karingal Bulls Junior Football Club said, ‘It’s been really hard, especially when we had so much rain last year, we weren’t able to use the ground for two or three weeks. It really impacted training where kids didn’t get to play football for those few weeks.’

‘The upgrades will provide a more open environment for people to come to the club and entice more kids to come. There’s the nice pavilion, and a fantastic oval will complement that.’

Milawa Recreation Reserve, home of the Milawa Football and Netball Club, is receiving more than $240,000 to install new 130 lux LED competition sports lighting around the oval.

Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve Oval, home of the Wonthaggi Power Football Netball Club, has scored $250,000 to install new drainage, replace turf with drought resistant grass and upgrade the irrigation.

Other successful grants include $99,000 towards resurfacing five netball courts at Rochester Recreation Reserve, home of the Rochester Netball Association.

The Program is a partnership with the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria and has invested more than $41.5 million in over 580 country football and netball infrastructure projects since 2005.

CEO of Netball Victoria, Andrea Pearman said, ‘Netball participation across Victoria is reaching record levels, and access to facilities is vital to meeting that demand and helping more Victorians to stay active and play our game.

‘We’re proud to partner with the Victorian Government on the Country Football and Netball Program, which contributes so much to netball communities across the state every year.’

Head of AFL Victoria, Greg Madigan said, ‘Since 2005, the funding support provided through the Country Football and Netball Program has had a significant impact on local communities and sporting clubs across the state.’

The 2025-26 Country Football Netball Program is also now open with rural, regional and outer metropolitan councils eligible to apply for grants of up to $250,000 towards sports infrastructure developments including court and lighting upgrades, change room overhauls, new pavilions and more, to benefit local clubs and communities.

Applications close on 7 July 2025.

For all the latest information including the latest successful grant recipients and how to apply visit Country Football and Netball Program.