Heidelberg United’s Olympic Park to receive a further $7.5 million in funding

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The State Labor Government is contributing $4.5 million to stages 3 and 4 of redevelopment at Olympic Park, alongside $3 million from Banyule City Council.

Olympic Park, home of National Premier League club Heidelberg United, will receive a combined $7.5 million in funding from local and state governments to continue improvements and development of facilities. 

Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Community Sport and Youth, Ros Spence, announced during a press conference at Olympic Park on Friday that the State Labor Government would contribute $4.5 million to stages 3 and 4 of redevelopment at the ground, alongside a $3 million contribution from Banyule City Council.

“These important projects will deliver local jobs in the short term and top-notch facilities for passionate sportspeople for decades to come,” Spence said.

“It’s vital that clubs can provide modern facilities for existing and prospective members – whether they are players, coaches, administrators, or supporters.”

These plans include the expansion of current infrastructure and car park, development of the pavilion, and the building of futsal/basketball courts. The funding is a part of the Daniel Andrews state government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Program.

The ground received a $7 million upgrade during stages 1 and 2 of the redevelopment, which included a new main pitch, as well as a junior and full sized synthetic pitch, of which the state government provided $3.5 million. Today’s conference marked the completion of the upgrade as Spence announced further funding from the state government and Banyule City Council for stages 3 and 4.

Member of Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines attended the announcement and spoke to the crowd of Heidelberg United fans, local government officials, and media. 

“Olympic Park is a place where the community comes together. It’s fantastic that people in Heidelberg and surrounding suburbs will be able to enjoy sports facilities and a meeting place of such a high standard,” he said.

Heidelberg United president Steve Tsalikidis praised the announcement and the work that had been put into securing the funding for the ground.

“A key feature of Heidelberg United’s success on and off the pitch has been the game-changing upgrades here at Olympic Park, and we thank the Victorian government for their part in making the facilities even better.”

Also in attendance at the announcement was Banyule City Mayor Rick Garotti and Football Victoria CEO Kimon Taliadoros.

So far the Community Sports infrastructure Stimulus Package has funded 70 projects worth $335 million in Victoria.

Olympic Park was built in 1956 to accommodate and provide a training base for athletes competing in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.

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Queensland Government grants boosts growth and affordability

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Image credit: PxHere website

Queensland’s sporting community will benefit from comprehensive state government grants, which will help kids join local clubs, support elite athletes, and upgrade facilities.

For children

  • Access up to $200 in FairPlay vouchers per eligible child to assist with sport and recreation club membership costs.
  • Support of up to $800 is available through Emerging Athlete Pathways for athletes and officials under 18 attending state, national and international competitions.

For clubs and organisations

  • Become a registered organisation to accept FairPlay vouchers, allowing eligible children to use up to $200 towards membership, registration or participation fees.
  • Register your organisation’s competitions at state, national and international levels through Emerging Athlete Pathways to enable athlete and official funding eligibility.
  • Apply for the Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund to create accessible, safe and inclusive community sport and recreation spaces.
  • Not-for-profit sport and recreation organisations can access Active Clubs funding to support volunteers and deliver flexible, safe physical activities to boost participation.

Disaster recovery

  • Eligible not-for-profit sport and recreation organisations affected by significant weather events can apply for up to $5,000 through the Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program to restart operations.

Other Sports and Recreation funding sources

  • Explore funding opportunities for not-for-profit organisations through your local council.
  • Contact your state sport and recreation organisation for information about activity-specific funding options.
  • Access various funding programs for individuals and sporting organisations through Sport Australia.

Sporting clubs have always been vocal about the importance that government backing has in the upkeep of the sporting industry.

Though it will take time to see the full effect of these grants, this comprehensive list of grants shows that Queensland’s government is dedicated to supporting its sporting industry.

It’s a positive sign and hopefully, it will help increase the sporting output and relieve the financial stress for the people of Queensland. A strong sporting Queensland is a benefit for sport in the country as a whole.

Learn more here.

Major grant boost for women’s football in NSW

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NSW Government - Level the Playing Fund
Image credit: Football NSW

In a major win for women’s football growth in NSW, a $654,000 grant from the Federal Government has been awarded to support the ‘Play Our Way’ initiative for women and girls.

Football NSW’s ‘Empower Her’ project, focused on leadership, education, and inclusion for women in football, was among 120 grants awarded as part of the Federal Government’s $55 million scheme.

The grant will focus on three key areas—leadership, education, and inclusion—to attract, retain, and develop women in football. It will also support intersectional communities through initiatives like the NAIDOC Cup for First Nations youth and community sustainability efforts for priority groups via Football4All and the State Parafootball team.

Football NSW CEO, John Tsatsimas, mentioned the crucial role that the funding will have for Football NSW.

“The generous funding from the Federal Government will play a pivotal role in supporting Football NSW’s mission to expand and elevate female participation in football across the state, ensuring that more women and girls can thrive in the sport at every level,” he said via press release.

“Female football continues to soar following the incredible success of last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™.

“Over the past 12 months, female participation has surged by an impressive 23%, reflecting the growing enthusiasm and opportunities for women and girls in the sport.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Federal Government for their invaluable support. This funding will help us grow and create more opportunities for women and girls to participate in all facets of football across NSW.”

Sport Minister, Anika Wells, added her comments about the Play Our Way initiative.

“Play Our way is the single biggest package for women’s sport participation and facilities ever and these 120 projects will create greater opportunities for women and girls to enjoy being physically active,” she said via press release.

“The huge response to this grant opportunity, and the range of great project ideas, show that Australian communities want to be more supportive of women and girls.”

The grants are part of the participation stream, the first funding confirmed under the Albanese Government’s $200 million Play Our Way program.

A second phase of the Play Our Way program, focused on facility grants, will be confirmed soon.

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