The Victorian Government has released more funding under its Country Football and Netball Program for rural clubs.
Seven projects will be funded across Victoria with the government program aligned with the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria.
Rochester Recreation Reserve will receive a $99,000 grant towards resurfacing five netball courts to support the Rochester Netball Association.
Cobram’s Scott Reserve Oval will also receive funding to upgrade its lighting.
The program will have $1.4 million split across the seven approved projects.
Since 2005, 580 country football and netball infrastructure projects have been funded by the program.
Head of AFL Victoria Greg Madigan said that the program had had a significant impact on sport in regional areas since its inception two decades ago.
“The funding enables country football clubs to make vital improvements to safety and accessibility, including ground resurfacing, improved lighting and new changeroom facilities to support the growth of women and girls in football,” Madigan said.
“AFL Victoria thanks the Victorian Government for its ongoing support of the program, which has delivered an investment of over $40 million to nearly 600 country football and netball infrastructure projects.
“We look forward to continuing this partnership and building on the substantial investment in community sporting infrastructure that has been delivered over the last twenty years.”
Community Sport Minister Ros Spence said programs such as this were important for rural football and netball clubs.
“Nothing brings regional communities together like country footy and netball,” Spence said.
“Through this program we’re supporting hundreds of clubs by giving them facilities the whole community can enjoy and get around.”
The Country Football and Netball Program is now open for clubs to apply for funding during the 2025-26 period.
Rural, regional and outer metropolitan councils are eligible to apply for grants of up to $250,000.
These grants can go towards sports infrastructure developments including court and lighting upgrades, change room overhauls, new pavilions and more to benefit clubs in the region.
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