The Allan Labor Government is opening more doors for sport volunteers and staff across regional Victoria, with new programs ensuring more workers get the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in the sector.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence announced applications are open for the Labor Government’s Sustainable Volunteer Workforce Program and the Strengthening Regional Community Sport Program, thanks to an investment of $7.2 million in regional Victorian sport.
The new Sustainable Volunteer Workforce Program will support organisations to develop game changing workforce projects with grants of up to $450,000 available, supporting initiatives and partnerships that help attract and retain sport volunteers and staff, reduce volunteer workload, and ultimately increase participation opportunities for Victorians on and off the field.
Eligible organisations include state sporting associations, state sport and active recreation bodies and regional sports assemblies with experience in supporting volunteers and staff in the sector.
It complements the launch of the Government’s Strengthening Regional Community Sport Program that’s supporting state sporting organisations with grants of up to $300,000 to increase collaboration and partnerships, remove barriers and create opportunities for participation in sport, particularly for under-represented groups.
Both programs are part of the Government’s new $60 million Regional Community Sport Development Fundthat is delivering infrastructure and programs to support more regional Victorian families and children to get involved in sport.
Supporting the development of a highly skilled sport workforceis a key objective of Active Victoria 2022-2026 – A strategic framework for sport and active recreation in Victoria, which will ensure a strong and sustainable sports industry for Victoria.
For more information and to submit an application for the Sustainable Volunteer Workforce Program and the Strengthening Regional Community Sport Program, visit sport.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
“Volunteers and staff are the backbone of sport in regional communities, without them local clubs and competitions would not exist.”
“We’re keen to back more initiatives that increase opportunities for all Victorians to get involved in the sports they love whether as coaches, volunteers or administrators at their local clubs.”
