The most recent round of Victorian Government’s Community Motorsport Program has been completed with 78 projects across the state receiving funding as part of the scheme.
Part of the Andrews Government’s $7.4 million Racing into a New Era for Motorsport initiative, the goal of the program is to help clubs upgrade safety, train volunteers and officials, boost participation particularly for women and girls, and host events.
The third round of the program saw up to $1.6 million shared among the 78 projects with 66 grants going to motorsport and motorcycling clubs around Victoria.
There were multiple streams within the Community Motorsport Program that clubs could apply for and the Gippsland Car Club received one of the largest grants for their successful application in the Major Infrastructure stream.
The club received $292,645 to put towards a new multi-purpose facility and female friendly facilities at its home base - the iconic Haunted Hills Hill Climb in Bryant Park.
In addition to the Gippsland Car Club’s grant, 31 Motorsport Australia affiliated clubs also received funding through the Club Assistance Package, reaching a total of $267,284 in grants.
A majority of the successful applications came under the safety and operational equipment stream and the events and activities stream.
Victorian clubs to receive funding for equipment included Team Medical Australia, who received $10,000 for medical equipment and the Victorian Fire & Rescue Squad, who received $10,000 for fire suits for their fire marshalls.
The Victorian 6 Hour Relay received $20,000 to purchase race receivers, as well as for the support of the annual event later this year, while both the Fiat Car Club of Victoria and Huntingdale Auto Club received $10,000 each to purchase timing equipment to help host rounds of the Motorsport Australia Victorian Motorkhana Championship.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence was pleased to have so many clubs receive funding through the scheme.
“With more and more Victorians returning to the track, we’re giving clubs the support they need to rev up participation,” Spence said.
“Better facilities and equipment help motorsport and motorcycling clubs provide a safer and welcoming community space.
“I encourage local clubs to take advantage of all the opportunities the Community Motorsport Program offers.”
With the latest stream now open for clubs to take advantage of, Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca echoed Spence’s comments.
“It’s fantastic to see so many clubs receive funding through the State Government’s New Era for Motorsport initiative and Community Motorsport Program,” Arocca said.
“This funding will go a long way in assisting those successful clubs with their respective projects, which are in areas that can help the sport grow.
“I encourage all Victorian clubs to submit an application for the fourth round of the program and to contact their local Regional Development Executive for assistance and information.”
Click here for more information on the Community Motorsport Program and how to apply for funding.
The program’s fourth and final program is currently open and will be accepting applications until 30 June, 2022.