Valley Sport Update - November 2024

Valley Sport Update - November 2024

November 28, 2024

Valley Sport Announces New Executive Officer

Valley Sport, a leading organisation in sport and recreation across the Goulburn Valley, is proud to announce the appointment of Megan Carr as its new Executive Officer. Megan will commence in the role on Monday, 16th December 2024, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to building strong, inclusive, and sustainable sporting communities.

Chairperson Belinda Conna shared her enthusiasm for Megan’s appointment: "We are delighted to welcome back Megan to Valley Sport. With her extensive leadership experience, passion for community engagement, and expertise in creating inclusive environments, Megan is the ideal choice to lead Valley Sport. Her vision and dedication will ensure we continue to support and empower our sporting clubs and communities across the region."

Read the full announcement on our website.

Safer Sport Courses

Valley Sport can assist you and your clubs members by organising the following courses (minimum numbers required)

  • Provide CPR (HLTAID009)

  • Provide First Aid ( HLTAID011)

  • Level 1 Sports Trainer

  • Responsible Service of Alcohol

If you are interested in completing one of the following courses, please fill out an expression of interest form here.

Clubs Encouraged to Get On The Front Foot

‘On the Front Foot’ is a free mental health development program designed by Valley Sport in collaboration with Rachael Willis, Principal Clinical Psychologist at Pure Empowerment.

On the Front Foot is a 60-minute workshop designed for local community sports clubs like yours. Whether in-person or online, this workshop will equip you with the skills and confidence to support not just yourself but others who may be facing mental health challenges.

If this sounds like something your club would be interested in hosting, please get in touch via email [email protected] or by filling out a expression of interest form here.

Beyond The Game - A Panel Discussion About Sport, Inclusion & Disaster Recovery

Join Greater Shepparton City Council and Resilience in Recovery for an inspiring panel discussion in Shepparton! 💬

Sports legends Col Pearse, Tayla Harris, and Vanessa Low, alongside disaster recovery expert David Younger, will share insights on resilience, overcoming challenges, and the power of community recovery. 🌟

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from incredible leaders who’ve faced adversity and emerged stronger. 💪

📅 Date: Sunday, 15 December, 2024
⏰ Time: 11am to 2pm
📍 Location: Main Pavilion Function Room, Sports City, Shepparton

🚨 This is a free event, but registrations are mandatory: https://buff.ly/497oqzZ

Seymour All Abilities Tennis Program

Looking for a fun, inclusive activity to improve your skills, meet new friends, and enjoy the outdoors? Come along to our All Abilities Tennis Sessions, hosted in collaboration with Nexus Primary Health, Goulburn Valley Gangarru Parasports, Healthy Kids Mitchell, Tennis Victoria, and Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria!

When:

  • Wednesday, 27/11/24: Tennis & Wheelchair Tennis

  • Wednesday, 4/12/24: Tennis, Wheelchair Tennis & Blind Tennis

  • Wednesday, 11/12/24: Tennis, Wheelchair Tennis & Blind Tennis

Time:

  • Under 18s: 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM

  • Over 18s: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Location:
Seymour Tennis Club
49 Howe Street, Seymour VIC 3660

This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy tennis in a supportive and inclusive environment. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or looking to enhance your skills, there’s something for everyone!

For more information or to register, contact:
📞 Wendy Kelly (Nexus Primary Health) at 0488 541 439
📧 [email protected]

Vision Loss Awareness Training

Sport and recreation staff, coaches, organizations, associations, and community sport and recreation club members — this is for you!

Join Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria for an engaging and interactive Vision Loss Awareness Training session.

👓 What to Expect:

  • Hear first hand what it’s like to live with vision loss from a trainer who has personal experience.

  • Try vision loss simulation goggles to gain insight into one of five common eye conditions.

  • Learn practical tips to make your programs more inclusive and accessible for individuals with vision impairments.

📅 Date: Thursday December 5
⏰ Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
📍 Location: North Shepparton Community and Learning Centre.
10-14 Parkside Drive Shepparton Vic 3630 (Opposite the old Wanganui Park Secondary College) Closest bus stop is Parkside Drive / Tyquin Street, via bus number 2 or 3.

🎟 Registrations:
This is a free event, but registration is mandatory. Secure your spot now by completing the form here: https://buff.ly/497oqzZ

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign led annually by UN Women. It runs every year from 25 November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day).  

During the 16 Days of Activism, communities around the world join the call to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls.

Goulburn Valley organisations invite you to take action from Monday, November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to Tuesday, December 10 (International Human Rights Day).

🗓️ Events Calendar:
Community Coffee & Chat

  • Connect with local services and engage in meaningful conversations:

    • Mon, Nov 25: Grain Store, Cobram | 10 AM – 11 AM

    • Thu, Nov 28: GOTAFE, Shepparton | 10 AM – 11 AM

    • Fri, Nov 29: TAT House, Tatura | 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

    • Mon, Dec 2: Cherish, Numurkah | 10 AM – 11 AM

    • Wed, Dec 4: Crusty Loaf, Yarrawonga | 10 AM – 11 AM

    • Fri, Dec 6: Bill & Beats, Mooroopna | 10 AM – 11 AM

Moira Community Walk

  • Join the community in walking for a violence-free future:

    • Cobram Federation Park | 9 AM – 1 PM

Painting Out Violence

  • Participate in line-marking events across Greater Shepparton:

    • Sun, Dec 1 & Sun, Dec 8

Walk in Solidarity

  • Stand together for a violence-free community:

    • Fri, Nov 29 | 12 PM – 2:30 PM | Victoria Park Lake, Shepparton

New Financial Reporting Revenue Thresholds

New regulations for incorporated associations were introduced last year that aligned tiers and revenue thresholds with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.

The new financial reporting tiers come into effect from 1 July 2024 and may affect your association’s reporting requirements, depending on which tier it falls under. Your association’s tier is defined by its total annual revenue.

For an association’s financial year ending on or after 1 July 2024, it will fall into one of the following:

  • Tier 1 – less than $500,000

  • Tier 2 – $500,000 to $3 million

  • Tier 3 – more than $3 million.

Additional reporting requirements continue to apply to tier 2 and 3 associations:

  • Tier 2 associations must have financial statements reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • Tier 3 associations must have financial statements audited by an independent auditor.

Both tier 2 and 3 associations must continue to lodge a copy of their financial statements with Consumer Affairs Victoria.

Regardless of your association’s tier, you must continue to prepare financial statements after the end of the financial year and present them at an annual general meeting.

Visit Consumer Affairs Victoria for more information on financial reporting requirements.

Get Active Kids Voucher Program

The Get Active Kids Voucher Program is here to support eligible families by providing financial assistance for kids’ participation in sport and active recreation activities. Families with a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card may be eligible to receive up to $200 per child to help cover the cost of memberships, registration fees, and more.

Key Details:

  • Round 8 Application Period: Open from 10:00 am, Wednesday, 9 October 2024, until December 2

  • Eligible Expenditure Dates: Costs from 1 July 2024 can be reimbursed upon application.

  • Voucher Expiry Date: Tuesday, 29 April 2025.

Additional support is available for children in care, temporary or provisional visa holders, undocumented migrants, and international students.

Visit getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers to check your eligibility, learn more, and apply today!

Help Shape the Future of Community Sport!

The Australian Sports Commission, in partnership with Federation University researchers, is conducting a survey to explore the costs of delivering and participating in community sport. Your club’s insights on participant numbers, income sources, and expenses are vital!

Why participate?
Your input will help shape policies and strategies aimed at making community sport more affordable and accessible for everyone.

🔗 Take the survey: Survey Link
📞 Questions? Reach out to Professor Rochelle Eime at [email protected] or call (03) 5327 9687.

Together, let’s build a stronger, more inclusive community sport landscape!

 

Emergency Sporting Equipment Grant

The Emergency Sporting Equipment Grant program provides funding for community sport and active recreation organisations across Victoria.

Access to this funding helps grassroots organisations replace or repair essential sport or first aid equipment that has been lost or destroyed because of unpreventable incidents, including bushfire, flood, significant storms, theft, arson, or criminal damage.

Funding available:

  • Grants of up to $1,000 are available for incidents that occur from 1 June 2024 to 2 June 2025.

Closes: May 31 2025

Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund

The Victorian Government’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund (Round 2) is now open, inviting applications from rural and regional Local Government Authorities and Alpine Resorts Victoria for grants to enhance community sports infrastructure.

Key Details:

  • Closing Date: 5 pm, 17 March 2025

  • Funding Streams:

    • Indoor Stadiums and Aquatic Facilities

    • Community Facilities

    • Women and Girls Facilities

    • Planning

    • All Abilities Infrastructure

  • Additional Grant: Up to $50,000 available for All Abilities Participation initiatives to support people with disabilities at funded facilities.

Who Can Apply?
Only rural and regional Local Government Authorities and Alpine Resorts Victoria. Clubs, associations, and community groups can express interest or seek partnership through their Local Government Authority.

Closes: 5 pm, 17 March 2025

Regional All Abilities Participation Grants

Regional All Abilities Participation Grants assist organisations to increase participation opportunities and address barriers to participation for people with disability in regional Victoria.

What the Grants Support:

  • Purchasing modified equipment, assistive technology, or adaptive clothing

  • Reducing travel costs for participants with disability

  • Recruiting, mentoring, and retaining people with disability in paid or volunteer roles

  • Employing a specialised workforce to support people with disability

  • Delivering ongoing, flexible sport and recreation programs

  • Promoting awareness, acceptance, and community connection

Who Can Apply?
Not-for-profit organisations operating in Victoria, including:

  • Community sport and recreation clubs

  • State Sporting Associations and Recreation Bodies

  • Disability sporting organisations and service providers

  • Health service providers, Neighbourhood Houses, and registered charities

Funding Available:

  • Category 1: Equipment and Travel – Up to $25,000

  • Category 2: Inclusion Workforce – Up to $25,000

  • Category 3: Programs and Disability-led Initiatives – Up to $25,000

Closes: 10 February 2025.

Local Legends Grant

For over 80 years, National Pies have been a staple at pie nights, social clubs, and footy matches across Australia. To thank the community for their support, Tasmanian Bakeries has introduced the National Pies for Local Legends grants program.

Registered Australian community groups, sporting clubs, and not-for-profit organisations can apply for funding. Here’s what’s available:

  • $1,000 grant awarded each month for 12 months

  • $10,000 major grant awarded at the end of the program

Closes: Applications close on the last day of each month, with the final deadline on January 31, 2025.

For more information or to register your club, please visit: https://valleysport.net.au/national-pies-for-local-legends/

If you have any questions or would like assistance applying for any of the above grants, please don’t hesitate to get in contact.

Follow the Valley Sport Facebook page to keep up to date with resources and tips that will be useful for you and your club during this unprecedented period. We encourage you to share our posts with your members. Please click here: facebook.com/ValleySport.GVSA

Valley Sport are always here to support your club and you can reach us via the platforms below:

Valley Sport Website: https://valleysport.net.au/

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