Friday 19 September 2025
The Allan Labor Government is backing local footy and netball clubs as they compete in finals, with grants to support more Victorians to play the sport they love close to home in regional Victoria.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced that Shepparton Football Netball Club and Wahgunyah Football Netball Club are successful recipients in the 2025-26 Country Football and Netball Program – as well as announcing a new round of grants has opened.
Deakin Reserve is set to receive $133,000 to redevelop the existing changerooms under the grandstand, to include 4 new toilet cubicles, one new accessible toilet cubicle and 4 new shower cubicles.
Wahgunyah Recreation Reserve Oval is set to receive $61,740 to upgrade the current lighting to 50 lux LED lighting on the oval.
Developed in partnership with the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria the program has invested more than $43 million and delivered more than 590 projects since 2005.
Applications for the new round of grants for the 2026-27 Country Football Netball Program close on 26 February 2026. Regional and outer metropolitan councils can apply for grants of up to $250,000 for sports infrastructure developments including court lighting upgrades, changeroom overhauls, new pavilions and more.
For the latest information and successful grant recipients visit sport.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Member for Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“Finals time highlights just how important local grounds are to local communities and these grants will ensure clubs have the facilities they deserve close to home.”
“Better home ground facilities mean clubs can encourage more participation, host more events, support volunteers, and draw bigger crowds which can be a major boost for regional economies and the jobs and businesses in those regions.”
Quote attributable to the Head of AFL Victoria Greg Madigan
“AFL Victoria thanks the Victorian Government for its ongoing support of community sport in regional areas through the Country Football and Netball Program, which allows us to sustain and grow the game for future generations."
