Ms SPENCE (Yuroke—Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Youth) (14:22): Today I rise to provide an update on the return of community sport in regional Victoria and how the Andrews Labor government is supporting regional clubs and leagues to stay financially viable during the global pandemic. With regional Victoria moving to the third step on the road map to reopening, this means the return of community sport in regional Victoria. For those aged 18 and under, outdoor sports can resume, as well as outdoor non-contact sport for adults. As an example, a game of cricket can now be played with two teams of 11 players and the necessary coaching personnel and umpires.

This month I was pleased to announce a second round of support for clubs, leagues and associations from the $40 million community sport sector COVID-19 survival package. Clubs from across Victoria that received a $1000 grant in the first round will automatically receive a $500 top-up while leagues and associations funded will receive a further $1000. For those that did not receive funding in the first round, regional leagues and associations can apply for $2000 and clubs can score $1000 in the second round.

Community sport and recreation mean so much for so many Victorians, and the Andrews Labor government is proud to support them through this global pandemic. Over 5000 clubs across the state received grants in the first round. More than half of these are in regional Victoria, and they can look forward to seeing the top-up payment land in their accounts in the coming days, including Ararat Swimming Club, Geelong West Cricket Club, Gembrook Riding Club, Bendigo Bowls Club, Benalla Gardens Tennis Club, Phillip Island Breakers Soccer Club, Ballarat Bowling Club, Colac Baseball Club, McEwen Reserve Tennis Club and Portarlington Cricket Club. I wish all of those involved with community sport well as they return to train and play across regional Victoria.