Driving social inclusion across Victoria through sport
Migrant groups, people with disabilities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will be the focus of a new initiative aimed at ensuring all Australians can participate in sport and physical activity.
Senator for Victoria, David Van, today welcomed the announcement of $2.7 million for Victorian community groups as part of the Driving Social Inclusion through Sport and Physical Activity program designed to strengthen communities through participation.
“11 Victorian community organisations will share in $2.7 million to bridge the divide and encourage social inclusion through sport,” Senator Van said.
“These organisations play a vital role in helping migrant groups, people with disability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to participate in sport and physical activity.”
The grants are the outcome of an open competitive process run by the Federal Government and all projects that have been awarded funding were recommended by the Department of Health. It is part of the Government’s $71 million investment in social cohesion initiatives to build stronger communities.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck, said sport and physical activity is a key element to a stronger, more resilient and connected life.
“This is even more important as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Minister Colbeck said.
“It is important for all Australians to have opportunities to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
“Supporting organisations to promote sport and physical activity as a powerful tool for inclusion is a key part of addressing this problem.
Senator Colbeck reiterated advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, recommending the resumption of sport and recreation activities must be done safely and not compromise the health and safety of individuals and the community.
“Australians want to get moving again. We want sport and recreation – with all the health, economic, social and cultural benefits – back in our communities.”
Victorian organisations who have received funding through the Driving Social Inclusion through Sport and Physical Activity program
Organisation, Project Name, Funding (ex-GST)
Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities Inc., Supporting women of colour to be healthier and happier, $357,939
Comm Unity Plus Services, Active Communities - culturally inclusive exercise program for newly arrived women and children in Brimbank, $66,702
Horsham Golf Club, Inclusive, interactive and holistic activities from Horsham Golf Club, $179,000
Polish Community Care Services Incorporated, Let's Get Active - Community Sports Program, $150,000
Somali Australian Council of Victoria Inc., Women's basketball for culturally diverse communities, $92,440
Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre Inc., Dance Up Australia, $506,364
Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Communities Council Inc., Inclusive Sports for the Newly Arrived, $250,000
University of Melbourne, Co-designing, implementing and evaluating an intervention to tackle racism and Islamophobia in junior sport, $315,500
Victoria University, Change makers - Empowering sports to enhance social inclusion for migrants and refugees, $330,784
Victorian YMCA Community Programming Pty Ltd, Aboriginal Camping and Active Recreation Project, $310,038
Learning and Life Centre (Huddle) Ltd, Huddle Up multi-sport program for children, young people and women from multicultural backgrounds, $158,613
