20 Mar 2008

The Victorian Government and the AFL have teamed up to help deliver more than $11 million worth of improvements for country football and netball clubs across the state. The $10 million Country Football Netball Program is a funding arrangement to improve regional football and netball clubs.

FROM THE MINISTER FOR SPORT AND RECREATION

DATE: Saturday, March 15, 2008

COUNTRY CLUBS REAP BENEFITS OF PIONEERING PROGRAM

The Victorian Government and the AFL have teamed up to help deliver more than $11 million worth of improvements for country football and netball clubs across the state, as outlined in a report released today by the Minister for Sport and Recreation, James Merlino.

Speaking at the Victorian Country Football League 2008 season launch at the MCG, Mr Merlino said the $10 million Country Football Netball Program, a funding arrangement between Government and the AFL to improve regional football and netball clubs, was a great success.

“The Country Football and Netball Program Half-Time Report measures the success of this program to the halfway point, the first $5 million – and we are delighted with the results,” Mr Merlino said.

“The program was established in 2005 and the first $5 million went towards 150 projects in country communities, worth a total of over $11 million.

“Since then, 97 per cent of sporting clubs surveyed reported that their projects had strengthened the viability of their club, 95 per cent said their project increased use of their facility, while 95 per cent also said their projects provided a safer place for people to participate.”

Mr Merlino also praised the work of local councils and sporting clubs in providing funding and project management across the 150 completed projects.

The Half-Time Report marks the halfway point of the program, due to conclude in 2010. The report features case studies of projects funded to date, including, facility upgrades at football and netball clubs, as well as projects to support clubs struggling with the impact of the drought.

Mr Merlino said football and netball clubs were at the heart of Victoria’s country communities, often providing social opportunities, as well as a chance to get healthy and active playing sport.

“What comes through when reading the report, is the wider community benefits that have resulted from our investment,” he said.

“Being a part of these sporting clubs helps people get involved in their local community, as a participant, spectator, volunteer or sponsor, while it can also help reduce isolation for some members of the community.

“Country football and netball clubs are vital to their communities and initiatives such as the Country Football and Netball Program can play an important role in continuing to ensure their ongoing sustainability.

To date the program has invested more than $6.7 million in nearly 200 projects.

“The Brumby Government is taking action now to meet the challenges of the future and make Victoria the best place to live, work, raise a family,” Mr Merlino said.

For a copy of the Half-Time Report visit www.sport.vic.gov.au