Member for Euroa and Deputy Nationals leader Steph Ryan said lockdowns had led to sporting clubs across Victoria suffering 18 months of cancellations, ripping the soul out of clubs.
Participant and volunteer bases have been eroded and facilities and equipment left unused and gathering dust.
Many sporting clubs now face significant financial pressure and need additional support to restart in time for the coming summer season and beyond.
Under this new program, individual sporting clubs could apply for up to $50,000 in funding towards kick-starting operations and supporting ongoing financial viability.
Ryan said community sporting clubs contributed significantly to the physical and mental health of communities.
“Community sporting clubs provide so many benefits physically and mentally to our local communities, but they face uncertain futures due to the disruption of yo-yoing in and out of lockdown,” Ryan said.
“With the footy and netball seasons having been cut short, the financial stress on clubs has been compounded after the 2020 season failed to get off the ground.”
She said the timing of this latest COVID-19 setback could not have been any worse for sporting clubs.
“Footy and netball clubs in my electorate were getting ready for bumper finals series, functions and presentation nights that would have provided a much-needed financial boost,” she said.
“Over the weekend it was announced this summer’s cricket season is not expected to start until mid-November — this is a month and a half later than usual, which robs small cricket clubs of the chance to utilise their facilities while still being expected to pay rents and associated costs.
“Our local tennis and bowls clubs are understandably nervous about the season ahead with the social benefits of these clubs so important across such a broad demographic.”
Ryan said securing government support served as vital in getting these clubs up and off the canvas.
“Without any significant revenue streams of late clubs will be managing the impacts of harsh lockdown measures well into the future, which is why I’m calling on the government to immediately implement this proposal.
“The government needs to offset some of the harm caused by their decisions and insensitivity towards regional communities.”
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