29 Aug 2018 Benalla Ensign, Benalla VIC (General News) State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes is encouraging Benalla sports clubs to apply for a Community Activation Grant. Following a highly competitive first round that resulted in 22 community sporting organisations receiving funding, applications are now open for the second round of the Victorian Government grants. The program is designed to support the delivery of initiatives that bring together communities and showcase women and girls, furthering gender equality throughout the Victorian sport and active recreation sector. Ms Symes said she strongly encouraged community sporting bodies to apply for the grant and celebrate women and girls throughout the region. This program will enable local clubs to further deliver programs that will drive positive change within our community, Ms Symes said. I encourage all clubs within Northern Victoria to get on board with this exciting initiative and change our game. We recognise the impact community sport has in shaping our society and the Change Our Game Community Activation Grants program will support local sport and recreation clubs address gender equality at grassroots level. Grants of up to $5000 will be available to eligible clubs and community groups across Victoria and will establish opportunity for women and girls at the grassroots level to enable them to achieve their full potential on and off the field. This new funding joins the already extensive Change Our Game grants portfolio, that works alongside initiatives including the record-breaking $14 million Female-Facilities Fund and the $380,000 already committed to the Change Our Game Scholarships and the Change Our Game Champions program. Change Our Game Community Activation Grants are now open and more information is available at www.changeourgame.vic.gov.au Applications close Tuesday, September 4.