Regional all abilities grants boost participation

Through the latest round of Regional All Abilities Participation Grants, 89 grants, totaling more than $1.6 million, are being delivered to support sports clubs and community organisations to strengthen and expand inclusive opportunities on and off the field for people with disability across regional Victoria.

With grants of up to $25,000, the program is designed to boost access, inclusion and participation, ensuring people with disability can enjoy the physical, social and mental health benefits of sport and active recreation.

Team Baw Baw Alpine Sports Club received $25,000 towards specialised equipment, instructor training and adaptive skiing and snowboarding to help establish Mt Baw Baw’s first dedicated adaptive sport program – creating an inclusive alpine environment for people with disability.

Geelong All-Abilities Sports Club will use $22,000 to purchase inclusive bikes, providing people with disability and family members the chance to explore and enjoy outdoor recreation together.

Also in the Greater Geelong region, NeuroThrive Australia scored over $24,000 to deliver a program for autistic and ADHD children and families combining movement, sensory-friendly play, parent education, and be led by neurodivergent specialists.

Mallee Sports Assembly will use $25,000 to co-design and deliver the 2026 Mildura Tri-State Games – an annual weeklong sporting event for people with disability. This includes the appointment of 2 ambassadors to champion participation at the Games and beyond.

The program is also supporting community-focused organisations, with SalamFest receiving $25,000 to help reduce barriers for people with disability from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds in Ballarat looking to participate in a range of all-abilities activities including yoga, cultural rhythm and movement exercises.

These grants are part of the Victorian Government's $40 million All Abilities Sport Fund that is removing barriers for people with disability to get involved in sport and recreation in regional Victoria.

Increasing and promoting participation opportunities that give more Victorians a chance to participate in sport and active recreation is a key objective of Active Victoria 2022-2026 – A strategic framework for sport and active recreation in Victoria.

For more information on the grants and a full list of recipients Regional All Abilities Participation Grants.