COVID SAFE Active Clubs Kickstart program available

Liam Watson
Football Queensland

Sport organisations in Queensland have until June 30 to apply for the COVID SAFE Active Kickstart program – featuring a $2000 grant.

The funding is designed to help these sporting organisations to restart their activities and competitions safely following Covid-19.

Applications first opened on May 25 but the deadline to get this in has been extended to June 30. The Queensland Government has addressed relevant details to be met when applying.

Organisations will be eligible to apply as long as they meet the following criteria:

  • Registered with an ABN
  • local or regional level Queensland not-for-profit sport or recreation organisation or not-for-profit community organisations
  • Sport or recreation clubs associated with a Queensland university.

When applying, there must be no outstanding compliance issues with the Office of Fair Trading spanning more than six months – and no debt owing to the department. Organisations are advised to provide clear and accurate information to secure their chances of a successful application.

The funding of $2,000 (excluding GST) can be used for one of the following categories as outlined by the Queensland government. The funds can be dispersed across multiple projects under one of the individual sections:

  • equipment to help deliver quality physical activity experiences e.g. equipment to improve the quality or safety of physical activity experiences (including balls, bats, racquets, helmets, batting pads, goal post padding)
  • training to help deliver quality physical activity experiences e.g. coach/official/instructor education and accreditation
  • equipment to improve your ability to manage the organisation: e.g. office equipment/software to assist organisations with financial/administration management
  • training to improve your ability to manage the organisation e.g. governance, financial or volunteer management training/courses/conferences
  • catering/food purchases to set up for restart post COVID-19 e.g. replace perishables that expired during COVID-19 restrictions
  • operational expenses including costs to deliver activities, utilities, ground and facility maintenance costs, safety and sanitisation requirements e.g. water and electricity utilities bills, COVID-19 related signage, and sanitisation stations

The following list has been identified as areas that will not receive funding:

  • White goods
  • Capital works or fixed structures (e.g. shade sails and stands)
  • Discreet consultancy without any education/training for the organisation (e.g. developing a strategic plan/grant application or administration fees)
  • Feasibility studies/research
  • Prizes/giveaways/alcohol/recognition items/merchandise
  • Wages of ongoing/seasonal nature (e.g. paid coaches).

For clubs looking to apply for the COVID SAFE Active Clubs Kickstart program, the online portal is available here.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Clifton Hill FC Set for New Era as Pavilion Upgrade Nears Completion

Avatar
Image Credit: One-Nil Media

Community football in Melbourne’s inner north is set for a major boost, with Clifton Hill FC preparing to usher in a new chapter following the redevelopment of its pavilion at Quarries Park.

The upgraded facility, delivered with support from Yarra City Council, is expected to significantly enhance the matchday and training experience for players, families, and volunteers while supporting the club’s continued growth.

A long awaited upgrade for Clifton Hill FC

Club President Michael Tyrikos said the redevelopment represents a long-awaited milestone for the grassroots club.

“We’ve been waiting close to 10 years for this,” Tyrikos told SoccerScene. “I’ve been involved with the club for over two decades and improving the facilities has always been a major goal for us.”

The new pavilion replaces previously limited amenities, with the club formerly operating with just two change rooms and minimal communal space. The upgraded facility will provide modern change rooms, social areas, and improved spectator amenities.

Supporting growth in participation

Tyrikos explained the redevelopment will be particularly significant in supporting participation growth, including the club’s expanding girls’ program.

“Previously, we only had two change rooms, which made it difficult as our girls’ program continued to grow,” he said. “Now players can feel comfortable using proper facilities with access to showers and dedicated spaces, which is something we simply didn’t have before.”

Image Credit: One-Nil Media

Beyond player development, the pavilion is also expected to strengthen the club’s role as a community hub. The addition of indoor social spaces will allow families to engage more closely with the club environment, particularly during Melbourne’s winter months.

“Parents can now sit inside and watch games, and we can finally host club events, kids’ parties, and social gatherings,” Tyrikos said. “Before, we just didn’t have the capacity to bring people together like that.”

A new era at Quarries Park

Tyrikos also acknowledged the broader infrastructure improvements delivered alongside the pavilion redevelopment, including new lighting towers and an upgraded playing surface, highlighting the importance of council support in driving the project forward.

Clifton Hill FC is hopeful the new pavilion will be operational in time for its anticipated first home fixture scheduled for mid-May, marking the beginning of a new era for the community-focused club.

Image Credit: One-Nil Media

Mastering Influence: FVBL’s Networking Event Set to Empower Football Leaders

Avatar
Image Credit: FV Business League Launch

Football Victoria (FV) Business League powered by Sharp EIT Solutions opens its 2026 calendar with an event that addresses a core driver of success in sport and business: “The Power of Persuasion & Influence.” FV convenes a distinguished panel of leaders for an evening dedicated to real-world leadership, advanced negotiation tactics, and practical perspectives directly informed by top-level experience.

The Speakers

David Stevenson, CEO of the National Basketball League and “The Dealmaker,” brings more than twenty-five years of executive leadership to the discussion. His track record includes transformative commercial and operational roles at Nike, where he served as Vice President across multiple global business units, and at the AFL, where he led industry-defining initiatives such as Gather Round and AFL Finals. As CEO of the Western Bulldogs, Stevenson oversaw a landmark premiership year and drove record membership and revenue growth. Most recently, he has positioned the NBL as the fastest growing sports league in Australia, securing major broadcast partnerships and expanding fan engagement across the region.

Belinda Neil, “The Behavioural Expert,” offers unparalleled expertise in communication and crisis management. With eighteen years serving in the NSW Police, including roles as Hostage Negotiator, Undercover Operative, and Homicide Detective, she has cultivated advanced skills in behavioural analysis, conflict resolution and team leadership under pressure. Her post-policing career as an acclaimed author and sought-after corporate trainer further extends her impact, equipping organisations to manage critical negotiations and complex stakeholder interactions.

 

The panel will soon add “The Communicator,” a leader renowned in elite sports coaching, with an announcement forthcoming from Football Victoria.

FV Business League continues to provide a platform for senior decision-makers and professionals to access actionable strategies and genuine insight from proven leaders. Attendees will benefit from practical knowledge to elevate negotiation, leadership, and organisational influence across all commercial and sporting domains. Tickets are out now for April 24th at The Edge, Melbourne CBD.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend