22 Jun 2016 Mansfield Courier, Mansfield VIC (General News) BOTH the Bonnie Doon Recreation Reserve and the Samaria Suns Football Club joined other grassroots sports club in Northern Victoria who have secured nearly $150,000 in State Government grants. Announced by Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) last week the grants will allow improvements to their operations, expand the skill sets of both players and coaches, and provide uniforms and equipment. The Bonnie Doon Recreation Reserve received $5000 towards their Strategic Plan and the Samaria Suns received $1000 for uniforms and $5000 for establishment costs. Ms Symes said 113 clubs in Northern Victoria had secured grants under the State Governments Sporting Club Grants Program. A total of $148,445 was provided to clubs and associations in Northern Victoria including AFL, netball, soccer, golf, yacht, lawn tennis, croquet, baseball, softball, lawn bowls, rowing, pony, swim, gun, triathlon, cricket and hockey clubs, Ms Symes said. I am very proud that the government has delivered for the 113 clubs within my electorate, the largest number of sporting clubs in any electorate to receive funding. I congratulate each and every club on the funding and encourage other clubs and state sporting associations in my electorate to make the most of these new grants when applications for the next round begin later this year. Sport is such a big part of our country lifestyle, with local sports and club facilities f bringing together people of all walks of life to nurture the next generation of home-grown heroes. The Sporting Club Grants Program gives clubs the chance to secure grants of up to $5000 to bolster operations and increase community participation, and $2000 to expand the skill sets of coaches or officials, for training such as first aid courses or umpires accreditation programs. Grants of up to $1000 are also available for clubs to buy new team uniforms or equipment. The program is part of the State Governments work to make sport more accessible and inclusive, increase local participation, stimulate local economies, and build sustainable volunteer opportunities. Applications for the next round of the four-year fund will open on June 14. For more information, or to apply online, visit www.sport.vic. gov.au. Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.