16 Dec 2015 Albury Wodonga News Weekly, Albury (General News) SPORTS and active recreation clubs across the country Victoria electorate will benefit from funding as part of the latest round of VicHealths Active Club Grants program, Northern Victoria Region MP Jaclyn Symes announced last Thursday. Grants of up to $3000, and for the first time up to $10,000, were available for local clubs in the first of two funding rounds for 2015/16. Ms Symes said the grants would help local clubs reach out to new participants and fund items or equipment to help them improve safety. In total, 263 Victorian clubs will receive grants as part of this round of the VicHealth Active Club Grants program, totalling $746,000. The VicHealth Active Club Grants program puts up to $1.5 million each year towards helping communities get more physically active. More than 8000 sporting clubs across Victoria have received Active Club Grants over the past 20 years and more than one million club members have been able to access safer and better equipped clubs with well-trained staff. Whether its essential equipment like bats, portable goals, uniforms and balls, or items to prevent or manage injuries, its great to see so many clubs across country Victoria, including my electorate of Northern Victoria benefit from these grants, Ms Symes said. These grants are fantastic because not only do they encourage more sports and recreation activity, they also provide that real sense of community that comes from being part of a local club. Local clubs provide a fun and sociable escape from the stresses of modern life, and can have a positive impact on a persons sense of health and wellbeing, For more information about VicHealths Active Clubs Grants, go to www.vichealth. vic.gov.au/activeclub Copyright Agency licensed copy (www.copyright.com.au)