Support for First Nations athletes
The Victorian State Government is to back First Nations Athletes with grants to assist with participation in sport carnivals, equipment, travel costs and uniforms.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence has announced the opening of applications for the latest round of grants through the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program.
“These grants support First Nations athletes to compete at the big events and take their performance to the next level,” Ms Spence said.
Travel costs
The program delivers grants of up to $1,000 for team uniforms and equipment, and up to $2,500 for travel costs so clubs can participate in both Victorian and national tournaments.
Individuals can also access up to $250 to purchase sporting uniforms and equipment, and up to $750 for their own travel costs.
“First Nations athletes are achieving incredible things on the national and international stage, and we’re proud to back their journey with these grants,” Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins.
The grant program is part of the Labor Government’s strong support for the Victorian Aboriginal community, alongside the new Victorian Aboriginal Sporting Partnership which is creating more opportunities in the community sport sector for Aboriginal athletes.
More than 500 grants to community
The previous round of the program delivered more than $67,000 in support, including for Mildura’s Mallee Tigers Football Netball Club travel costs for seven of their junior teams to participate in the recent 2025 VACSAL Statewide Junior Football and Netball Carnival in Shepparton.
In addition, Glenroy Calisthenics Club received funding towards uniforms for junior players to compete in competitions including this year’s Calisthenics Victoria State Titles.
Since 2020, the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program has provided more than 500 grants to community sport clubs and First Nations individuals, building stronger connections between the community sport sector and Victoria’s Indigenous communities.
Applications for this round are open until 11:59pm on 11 December 2025. For more information or to apply visit sport.vic.gov.au.
