Grants slam dunk for first nations athletes
Published: 13 June 2025A new wave of Victorian First Nations athletes is set to go even further with our Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program awarding more than 20 grants for travel, uniforms, equipment, and participation in sport carnivals.
From the AFLW to the recent Paris Olympics and Paralympics, the performances of First Nations athletes on the big stage are an inspiration to all Victorians.
Sharing in more than $100,000, recipients include the Rumbalara Football Netball Club’s women and girls from under 11’s through to Seniors who will benefit from new uniforms and equipment thanks to an almost $1,000 boost.
Committee Member of the Rumbalara Football Netball Club Kylie Walker said, ‘This support gives our players the chance to showcase their skills at the state level and do their communities proud.’
The Victorian Tennis Association will be using $2,500 towards travel costs for 26 up-and-coming junior tennis talents to participate in the recent National Indigenous Tennis Carnival in Darwin.
The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service also scored $2,500 towards travel costs for their up and coming under 18's Boys C grade team to travel to the recent 2025 VACSAL Statewide Basketball Classic Tournament in Mildura.
The program delivers grants of up to $2,500 per junior team and $1,500 per senior team towards travel and accommodation costs to participate in Victorian or national Aboriginal sporting carnivals and tournaments, as well as up to $1,000 to cover team uniforms and sport equipment.
Eligible individuals can also access up to $250 per person to purchase sporting uniforms and equipment, and up to $750 to pay for travel and accommodation costs to compete or train in regional, state, and national competitions or representative teams.
The grant program is part of the Government’s strong support for the Victorian Aboriginal community, alongside the new Victorian Aboriginal Sporting Partnership which aims to create more opportunities in the community sport sector for Aboriginal athletes.
Since 2020, the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program has supported the Victorian Aboriginal community to build stronger connections within the community sport sector, providing more than 480 grants to a wide range of clubs and individuals across Victoria’s Indigenous communities.
For more information about the program and the latest successful recipients visit Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program.