Sykes: Country action grant scheme for 2008

Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, encourages all sporting clubs and organisations throughout the Benalla Electorate to apply for funding through the 2008 Country Action Grant Scheme.

Dr Sykes said this Sport & Recreation Victoria round of funding is to be distributed in grants of up to $5,000 and aims to increase the capacity of sport and active recreation organisations in regional and rural Victoria.

Types of projects to be funded include:

• Initiatives to improve the operational effectiveness and efficiency of organisations eg. Preparation of a business plan, development of policy and procedure manuals or websites and incorporation of a new organisation.
• Initiatives to improve the skills of club members through providing training for coaches and officials, administrative staff and management committee members eg. Participation in coaching or umpiring accreditation courses, first aid, workshops for committee members in financial management or information technology.
• Initiatives to increase community participation by providing accessible sport and active recreation opportunities eg. Sessions of sport or active recreation for older adults, young mothers or people with a disability.

For projects planned to commence between 1 July 2008 – 31 December 2008 the applications close on 11 April 2008.

Applications can be lodged on-line, via email, fax or post with applications being received by Friday, 11 April 2008 will be considered for the second assessment phase.

Further details are available from the grant information line at The Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) free call 1300 366 356 or via their web site on www.dvc.vic.gov.au/grants or by contacting Peta Clark at Bill Sykes’ office ph: 5762 2100