Two local sports groups in Yuroke have been awarded with funding from VicHealth’s Active Club Grants to get local residents moving in new fun, flexible and social ways.

As part of VicHealth’s plan to get more Victorians living healthier and happier lives, Active Club Grants are providing over $400,000 to 145 community sport clubs throughout Victoria.

Craigieburn Basketball Association will receive $7,092 for equipment, uniforms, training and advertising and Craigieburn Bowling Club will receive $2,865 for game and training equipment.

Member for Yuroke Ros Spence said the grants will make a significant difference to the local community.

Due to a lack of time, lack of confidence, and societal pressures, many Victorians presently don’t get the recommended amount of physical activity each week.

Successful applicants can now put this money towards essential equipment and safety gear in a bid to encourage participation in physical activity. With these Active Club Grants, VicHealth is able to help Victoria’s local clubs to provide a wider range of chances for everyone to get active, regardless of ability.

VicHealth CEO Jerril Rechter said the new focus of Active Club Grants will inspire even more Victorians make physical activity a routine part of everyday life.

VicHealth encourages all eligible Victorian clubs to apply for Active Club Grants Round 2 if they were not successful this time. As usual, special consideration is given to applications from clubs in areas of socioeconomic disadvantage, or where communities have suffered hardship such floods, drought or bushfires.

For more information about VicHealth’s Active Clubs Grants, go to www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/activeclub. Round 2 opens on Monday 6 February 2017, and closes at 4pm, Friday 10 March.