By Jessica Micallef
Sports clubs and associations across Hume will receive a helping hand to kick start their return to play.
Hume council has allocated $250,000 for it’s COVID-19 Sports Club Grants to support local sport clubs and associations who have had their competitions impacted due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Up to $20,000 in funding will be distributed to eligible groups based on the number of participants at each local club and association, rather than a traditional application-based grants program.
Clubs or associations that pay fees and charges to train, play or organise competitive sport on or in council facilities are eligible for the grant, excluding clubs that train indoors at council facilities.
In line with the council’s Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy, clubs that operate electronic gaming machines will also be ineligible for a grant.
Eligible sport clubs and associations that have an existing debt with the council can put some or all of the grant amount to the debt.
The funding was part of the 2020-21 draft council budget, however, the funding has been brought forward to be distributed among clubs and associations before the end of the 2019-20 financial year.
Cr Geoff Porter said the grants would provide an immediate finance injection into local sporting clubs to ease the burden of not being able to get out and play.
“Without games being played on the field or on the courts, these clubs cannot secure your sponsorship they need, or take player registration or raise the funds they need to pay the bills they still have to pay,” he said.
“These funds that go out to the clubs and associations is community money so we want to make sure the community gets as much bang for its buck.
“I am extremely proud … of this new initiative to provide a financial stimulus to our local clubs and associations.
“It might be used to support the day-to-day operations, to pay the electricity bills, it might be used to support local people who can’t afford the equipment needed to participate.
“The use of the funds are up to the clubs. We are extremely looking forward to our clubs returning to what it is they do best in the community.”
