Victorian Government launches Change Our Game Community Activation Grants program

Liam Watson

The Victorian State Government’s Change Our Game Community Activation Grants program has been launched as an initiative towards funding one-off community based events that celebrate the role of women and girls in sport and provide a level playing field.

The program, featuring grants of up to $10,000, is available for community sport and recreation organisations where they will be supported in delivering events to promote gender equality. This means it’s inclusive for everyone, and activities do not have to be women-only events – it is open to the entire community so men and boys get the same opportunities as women and girls.

The funds that are on offer are below:

  • Participation stream up to $5,000
  • Organisation or club training/development up to $5,000
  • Showcasing achievements up to $10,000

The grant is in its second round and is part of the Government’s $7.2 million investment for the Change Our Game initiative. The program has so far provided 155 grants that support community sport and recreation organisations. This is able to get required funds to host events, ranging from come-and-try days to community forums and educational sessions.

Any community level organisations who deliver sport and active recreation programs across Victoria are eligible to apply. However, those who received a grant from Round 1 of the 2020/2021 Change our Game Community Activation grant are not able to apply.

The Round 2 grants opened on April 14 2021, with applications to be submitted by the closing date of May 12 2021 at 5pm.

For preliminary information on the grant program, you can contact changeourgame@sport.vic.gov.au

You can apply for grants on the Change Our Game official site here.

Previous ArticleNext Article

AC Milan and Puma Unveil New 2026/27 Away Kit

Avatar
Image Credit: AC Milan S.p.A.
AC Milan and Puma have officially unveiled the clubs the new 2026/27 away kit, a timeless white kit that celebrates resilience, heritage and the winning mentality that has defined the Rossoneri for generations.

Inspired by the phrase “after Istanbul, there is always Athens” the kit pays tribute to AC Milan’s triumph in the 2007 Champions League Final in Athens following their defeat in Istanbul in 2005. The message printed on the back of the collar, reflects the club’s enduring spirit and serves as a reminder that every setback can become the foundation for future success.

Leading the campaign is club legend Filipo Inzaghi who scored two goals to lead AC Milan in the 2007 UEFA Champions League Final, embodying the determination, resilience and hunger that continues to define AC Milan’s identity.

Every detail on this years away kit reinforces this story. Gold accents and a laurel wrapped club crest celebrates a storied history of success, while the authentic version features the Greek inscription “Δύναμη Ψυχής” (“Strength of Spirit”) inside the collar. A subtle phoenix wing woven into the fabric symbolises renewal, resilience and the Club’s commitment to continually rising to new challenges.

The authentic jersey is engineered with PUMA’s advanced ULTRAWEAVE fabric, complemented by dryCELL and ThermoAdapt technologies to deliver lightweight feel and optimal performance. The replica version brings the same identity combining the same striking design with everyday wearability and is made with RE technology, incorporating 95% recycled polyester sourced from textile waste.

The new AC Milan 2026/27 Away Kit is available now through AC Milan Official Stores, the Club’s online store, PUMA and selected retailers worldwide.

Bentleigh Greens and Metricon Bring Local Business Community Together Through Networking Initiative

Avatar
Image Credit: One-Nil Media

Bentleigh Greens FC has reinforced its commitment to supporting its community beyond football, partnering with Metricon Homes to host a business networking evening designed to strengthen relationships between local businesses, sponsors and club stakeholders.

 

A unique setting for meaningful connections

Held inside one of Metricon’s display homes, the Bentleigh Greens Business Networking Night welcomed around 60 local business owners, club partners and community leaders for an evening focused on connection, collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Rather than a traditional function space, Metricon opened the doors of one of its display homes, creating a unique networking environment that highlighted how the space could be transformed into a premium venue while providing guests with a relaxed setting to build professional relationships.

The event reflects a growing trend across community football, where clubs are increasingly positioning themselves as platforms for business engagement and local economic development, alongside their role in delivering participation opportunities on the pitch.

Guests also heard from strategic futurist Marcus Barber, who delivered a presentation examining the growing influence of artificial intelligence on modern business. His insights encouraged attendees to consider how emerging technologies are reshaping industries and the importance of preparing for future change.

 

Creating value beyond sponsorship

While commercial outcomes were never the primary objective, the evening was designed to create long-term value by fostering meaningful relationships between businesses connected to the Bentleigh Greens community.

Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with several attendees already establishing new contacts and beginning discussions around potential collaborations.

The initiative also highlights Metricon’s broader commitment to supporting local communities beyond residential construction. By partnering with Bentleigh Greens and providing the venue, the company helped facilitate an event that encouraged learning, networking and stronger community connections.

 

Football clubs as community business hubs

For community football clubs, initiatives such as these demonstrate how partnerships can extend beyond traditional sponsorship models. By creating opportunities for local businesses to engage with one another, clubs can strengthen their commercial networks while delivering tangible value to sponsors and the wider community.

As football clubs continue to explore new ways of engaging stakeholders off the field, events like the Bentleigh Greens Business Networking Night illustrate how sport can serve as a catalyst for meaningful business relationships and long-term community growth.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend