Supporting our First Nations athletes next big win
Published: 14 November 2025Victoria’s First Nations Athletes are on track to score even more wins thanks to our Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program initiative that’s kicking in for equipment, travel costs, uniforms, and to participate in sport carnivals.
Nothing brings communities together like sport. The program aims to connect cultures and inspire a new generation of Aboriginal sporting heroes to follow in the footsteps of legends like Australian Netball Diamonds’ sharpshooter Donnell Wallam and North Melbourne’s AFL champion Jy Simpkin.
The program delivers grants of up to $1,000 to cover team uniforms and sport equipment, as well as $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.
Eligible individuals can access up to $250 per person to purchase sporting uniforms and equipment, and up to $750 for travel and accommodation expenses.
The previous round of the program provided successful clubs a share in more than $67,000, including Mildura’s Mallee Tigers Football Netball Club who scored $15,000 towards travel costs for seven of their junior teams to participate in the recent 2025 VACSAL Statewide Junior Football and Netball Carnival in Shepparton.
President of the Mallee Tigers Football Netball Club Tessa Clark said, ‘Thank you for assisting the Mallee Tigers junior football and netball teams to compete in the 2025 VACSAL Statewide Junior Football and Netball Carnival.’
‘This support enables our communities from across a huge region to participate in such a great community sporting event.’
Glenroy Calisthenics Club secured $750 towards uniforms for three of their up and coming juniors to compete in competitions including this year’s Calisthenics Victoria State Titles.
This grant program is part of the Government’s strong support for the Victorian Aboriginal community, alongside the new Victorian Aboriginal Sporting Partnership which is creating more opportunities in the community sport sector for Aboriginal athletes.
Since 2020, the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program has provided more than 500 grants to community sport clubs and individuals in Victoria’s Indigenous communities.
For more information about the program or to apply visit Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program.