Dozens of regional sport clubs across Victoria including in Maryborough and Ararat will score better facilities - boosting participation, local communities and jobs, thanks to the Allan Labor Government.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced 41 new projects will share in almost $24 million from Round 2 of the Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund (RCSIF), investing in women and girls’ change rooms, sports courts and fields and more.

The Fund is a game-changer for regional Victoria, with 67 infrastructure projects and 8 participation initiatives now supported, as part of the more than $2.4 billion invested by the Labor Government in community sport infrastructure.

Maryborough Outdoor Pool will receive $3 million in funding to rebuild the much-loved facility. Ararat City Tennis Club will also receive $610,000 for lighting installation and accessibility upgrades.

The Community Sports Infrastructure 2024 Outcomes Statement highlights the positive impacts of projects through initiatives like the RCSIF.

In the past two years alone more than 330 community sport projects have increased participation by almost 43 per cent or more than 70,200 new participants, including a 19 per cent increase in junior girls playing sport.

That’s more people of all ages and abilities swimming, playing soccer, netball, volleyball, skateboarding, cycling and more at a range of facilities from skate parks to netball courts, close to home.

Local economies are also winners, with more than 1,170 direct full-time jobs supported in the delivery of more than $538 million worth of community sport and active recreation infrastructure across Victoria.

The Victorian Budget 2025/26 is investing $20 million to continue providing new and improved community sports infrastructure through initiatives like the statewide Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, which will be open for applications in the coming months.

For more information about the fund and successful projects visit sport.vic.gov.au.

Quote attributable to Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence

“These projects will be a game changer for regional communities, giving them modern facilities they can be proud of.”

Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“This funding is a huge boost for our community giving local clubs the world class facilities they deserve to increase participation and continue playing the sports they love.”