Tungamah and Violet Town football netball clubs are two of 32 grassroots clubs across Victoria to successfully secure grants as part of the Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) Safer Canteens program.
Part of ESV’s $30,000 commitment to help make canteens safer, the grants of up to $1000 will go towards replacing old, unsafe and energy inefficient fridges, bain maries, stoves, pie warmers, steamers and fryers.
ESV’s Safer Canteens grants program, in partnership with AFL Victoria, has now awarded more than $120,000 over the past four years, helping upgrade 132 Victorian canteens with safer and more efficient appliances.
Violet Town president Matthew Holmes said the club was ecstatic to have been successful in the program.
“We were quite excited and relieved to get this funding, we use a company called Grant Professionals to apply for grants for us and they felt this would definitely suit the needs of our club,” Holmes said.
“The ladies in our canteen have been using an oven that doesn’t work to 100 per cent capacity, so the money will go towards a new oven — it is a relief now to be able to finalise the purchase and it should be in soon.”
Many of the people working in club canteens are volunteers who not only support their clubs but, in many cases, also provide meals for the disadvantaged and vulnerable.
“This important initiative helps build and shape metropolitan and regional Victorians who connect to their communities through their local sporting club.” ESV commissioner and chairperson Marnie Williams said.
“ESV’s priority has always been taking action to protect Victorians from safety risks. I am so proud to be able to do that and invest in communities at the same time.”
Head of AFL Victoria Brad Scott echoed Williams’ sentiment, acknowledging how beneficial this initiative is for clubs.
“Energy Safe Victoria’s support ensures our clubs have the opportunity to not only improve their canteen facilities, but to increase awareness of energy safety issues at the community level,” Scott said.
ESV and AFL Victoria will also open nominations for clubs to celebrate their unsung canteen heroes — the canteen volunteers — between Tuesday, September 7 and Monday, September 20.
A $1000 grant will be awarded to the winner’s football club canteen for new gas or electrical equipment.