More wins for country football and netball this finals
Published: 18 September 2025With community sport finals in full swing, the Victorian Government is supporting country football and netball clubs across the state with more grants to develop new courts, redevelop pavilions, and install new sports lighting.
Nine facilities are set to share in more than $1.5 million from the 2025-26 Country Football and Netball Program, with the 2026-27 round of the program now also open for applications.
The Program is a partnership with the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria and has invested more than $43 million in over 590 country football and netball infrastructure projects with a total project value of more than $135 million since 2005.
Minyip Recreation Reserve, home of the Minyip-Murtoa Burras Football Netball Club will benefit from an investment of $250,000 to upgrade oval lighting to competition-standard 100 lux LED.
Deakin Recreation Reserve, home of the Shepparton Bears and Shepparton United Football Netball Clubs, have scored $133,000 to install new accessible and all-gender amenities in the change rooms under the grandstand.
Other successful projects include $220,000 towards new 200 lux LED lighting on the 10 netball courts at Agnes Brereton Reserve in Traralgon, home of the Traralgon Netball Association.
The 2026-27 Country Football Netball Program is now also open for applications 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.
Local footy and netball clubs in eligible areas are encouraged to approach their local councils to apply for program funding.
Applications close on 26 February 2026. For more information about the fund, latest recipients and how to apply visit Country Football and Netball Program.