VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT LAUNCH NEW MOTORSPORT INITIATIVE

Victorian Government launch new motorsport initiative – Photo: LAT

A new initiative launched by the Victorian Government is dedicated to backing community clubs, participants and volunteers, while encouraging greater female participation through the Community Motorsport Program.

By HEATH McALPINE

Launched last week by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence, the Community Motorsport Program, forming part of the State Government’s $7.4 million Racing Into a New Era for Motorsport initiative aims to address a wide variety of issues within the grassroots level of the industry.

Areas targeted by the funding include improvement of motorsport infrastructure and equipment, the training of volunteers and officials, the support of young motorsport participants and enabling women and girls to become involved in the sport.

“Motorsport and motorcycling clubs are a safe space where people can compete and learn,” said Ms Spence.

“This funding will help pave the way for the next generation of women and girls in motorsport, from grassroots to the professional level.”

The two categories that grants are available through the Community Motorsport Program are:

– Motorsport Club Assistance –initiatives to boost women and girls participation (up to $5,000); hosting events and activities (up to $20,000); funding to purchase safety and operational equipment (up to $10,000); training for volunteers and officials to build club capacity (up to $5,000).

– Infrastructure Upgrades and Equipment – funding to purchase critical facility equipment (up to $50,000); and deliver minor (up to $100,000) and major infrastructure developments (up to $500,000).

Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca welcomed the timing of the new funding initiative with the motorsport industry in Victoria supporting more than 4000 jobs and contributes close to $700 million annually to the state economy.

“The new Community Motorsport Program grants could not come at a more important time and will go a long way in helping grassroots clubs get back on track and doing what they do best,” Arocca said.

Motorcycling Victoria CEO Robert Mestrom emphasised the importance of the announcement and urged clubs to apply.

“These grants will make a real difference to motorcycle clubs and initiatives around the state. I’d like to thank the Victorian Government and encourage our clubs to get on board with the opportunities this program has to offer.”

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