Press Releases

www.AFL.com he said.

The internship will run for six months from February 2013 to the end of the 2013 football season, with each participant working for one day per week for four hours.

Individuals currently studying or who already possess a qualification in journalism or equivalent will have the opportunity gain experience working in a high profile media outlet, while developing a solid portfolio of writing to assist with future employment opportunities.

They can also blog about their experiences on the Youth Central website for other young people to read, Mr Crisp said.

This is a joint program between the Coalition Government and the AFL, designed to give young reporters a chance to get a feel for the demands of online reporting with a website celebrating Australia’s most popular sport.

Applicants must be residents of Victoria, aged between 18 and 25 years, who have recently completed or who are currently studying a journalism course at university or TAFE.

Application forms are available on the Youth Central website, www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/afl together with information about the internships and application process.  

Applications close on 7 December, 2012 with successful applicants being notified by 1 February, 2013, Mr Crisp concluded.

Member for Mildura, Peter Crisp, said Mildura electorate sporting communities now have the chance to honour sporting volunteers, innovative clubs and sportspeople with nominations now open for the 2012 Victorian Government’s Community Sport and Recreation Awards.

“The annual awards are an opportunity for local communities to recognize and honour the achievements of people at the heart of grassroots sport,” Mr Crisp said.
“The Victorian Coalition Government is working towards building healthy and active communities, and through these awards we are recognising the people who give their all to community sport,” Mr Crisp said.

“Across Victoria there are thousands of people who make a difference to sport in their community and deserve suitable recognition.”

“These awards provide local communities the opportunity to nominate and acknowledge the commitment and passion of local sporting heroes – from clubs to teams, and coaches to participants.” Mr Crisp said.

The 2012 Victorian Government’s Community Sport and Recreation Awards will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday 21 November, and will award individuals, teams and clubs with prizes across the following categories:

- Community Sporting Club of the Year
- Community Participation Award
- Young Sportsperson of the Year
- Senior Sportsperson of the Year
- Service to Sport and Active Recreation Award
- Diversity Award
- Local Hero of the Year
- Community Coach of the Year
- Minister’s Award for the Sportsperson of the Year

Nominations close on Wednesday 24 October. For further information and to submit your nomination, please go to www.sport.vic.gov.au or telephone 9208 3517.

The Nationals Member for Mildura, Peter Crisp, congratulated sporting clubs in the Mildura electorate on successfully obtaining grants through the Victorian Government Sporting Uniform Grants Program.

“I am pleased to announce a number of sporting clubs in the Mildura electorate will receive a grant of up to $1,000 as part of the recent funding from the latest round of the popular program,” Mr Crisp said.

“Team uniforms are more than just colours; they represent local sporting traditions and community pride, and this funding boost will not only benefit existing club players, but hopefully attract new members who are also keen to show their support for their club and look and feel part of the team.”

As part of the Sporting Uniform Grants Program the following clubs have received funding:

These clubs are among a total of 448 across Victoria to share in more than $435,000 worth of Sporting Uniform Grants Program funding.

Mr Crisp said the Sporting Uniform Grants Program aims to reduce financial barriers to participation by providing sporting clubs with an opportunity to purchase new uniforms, or a range of related items for club members including team tops, shorts, socks and footwear.

“These grants will assist sporting and recreation clubs to invest in new uniform clothing and footwear. This will attract and accommodate new members, help to increase participation in sport as well as nurture talent,” Mr Crisp said.  

“New uniforms can go a long way towards boosting team morale and encouraging healthy and active communities, and that’s why we’re proud to continue to deliver this initiative,” he said.

If your club is looking to introduce new life to your team colours and inspire more people to be more active, more often, visit www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au

Even more people in the Mildura electorate will have the chance to boost their skills and reach their potential through sport thanks to a Victorian Government funding boost to three local sport and recreation organisation run initiatives.

Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hugh Delahunty today announced the funding recipients of the first phase of the 2012 Country Action Grant Scheme and Victalent grants.

“Many of Victoria’s rural and regional teams, coaches, and athletes are forced to cover large distances just to compete in their local competitions,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The Victalent grants help these Victorians with travel costs removing potential barriers to training, competition or realizing their sporting dreams.

“The Country Action Grants Scheme grants go a long way to help local sports organisations increase improve their administration and program delivery so they can provide even better sports opportunities for their communities,” he said.

Mr Delahunty said together the programs assist grassroots sport in rural and regional communities to increase their local skill base, implement best practice and promote active participation by helping to meet the travel costs incurred by local clubs and members.

“Supporting local organisations to operate more effectively is just one of the many ways the Victorian Government is ensuring even more Victorians get their chance to play sport and get active, more often,” Mr Delahunty said.

Mr Delahunty said 133 projects have benefitted so far from a share of $180,000 in the first phase, with a further $175,000 available through the second phase.

“With applications closing on 1 March for the second phase I encourage eligible sport and recreation organisations get in quick,” Mr Delahunty said.

In Mildura phase one funded projects included assistance to the Mildura Roller Derby League, Sunraysia District Golf Association and the Wanderers Baseball Club.

Member for Mildura, Peter Crisp, said a recent VicHealth study has shown that cutting physical inactivity by five per cent would save 1,000 lives nationally and result in 3,000 fewer cases of illness every year.

“By investing in great initiatives like these we can encourage more people to get involved in sport and recreation; strengthening communities and improving our overall collective well being,” Mr Crisp said.

Successful organisations receive up to $5000 through the Country Action Grant Scheme and/or one or two Victalent grants of $500 for travel assistance.

For further information on the grants visit www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au

Nationals Member for Mildura, Peter Crisp, has advised elite athletes throughout the Mildura electorate that applications are now open for the Victorian Government’s Elite Athlete Travel Grants Program.

Mr Crisp said the program provides grants of up to $2,000 to assist elite Victorian athletes with travel to compete at national championships or international events.

“One of the biggest obstacles country athletes face is the cost of competing at a national or international level,” said Mr Crisp.

“The Elite Athlete Travel grants provide important assistance to potential sporting stars from our community to compete at these elite sporting events.

“Active participation in sport and recreation activities is a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle and I encourage clubs to discuss this program with their members.”

Applications are open to individual athletics who are a resident of Victoria, a member of a State Sporting Association and who are travelling to compete at a national or international championship or event.

Priority will be given to athletes who need to travel for the purposes of representing Victoria or Australia.

The next closing date for 2012 is Tuesday 1 May.

For further information and application forms to go www.dpcd.vic.gov.au or phone the Department of Planning and Community Development Grants Application Information Line on 1300 366 356.