By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
The Boronia Hawks Football Netball Club has received a welcome boost with a $1000 grant to support the purchase of new playing guernseys for its under-19’s team, thanks to the state government’s Sporting Club Grants Program.
The grant, awarded in November 2024, will help cover uniform costs for the new team, set to compete in the 2025 season.
Senior vice president of the Boronia Hawks, Wayne Preston expressed his gratitude for the funding and the impact it will have on the club’s youngest players.
“This grant will ensure that our under-19’s team has brand-new uniforms without burdening players with additional costs,” Mr Preston said.
“We’re excited to bring this age group back into the fold, and the funding will make a big difference as we get them ready for the season ahead.”
The Sporting Club Grants Program, which distributed more than $1.2 million to over 740 clubs statewide, supports local clubs in purchasing uniforms, equipment, and training materials, as well as improving accessibility and community engagement.
“This is a major boost for clubs across the state – we’re making sure clubs have the skills and equipment they need to thrive, and get more people involved,” Community Sport Minister Ros Spence said.
“We want our local sporting clubs to be backing the next generation of local champions – and these grants provide them the chance to do just that.”
The Boronia Hawks were one of the recipients, with the $1000 directed specifically to cover the new team’s playing gear.
Mr Preston also thanked Jackson Taylor, the local state Member of Parliament for Bayswater, for his ongoing support in securing the grant.
“Jackson has been incredibly helpful in understanding the needs of our club and advocating on our behalf. His support has been invaluable, and we’re grateful for everything he’s done to help us,” he said.
While the grant will cover the uniforms for the under-19’s team, the vice president said that other teams at the club, particularly the senior men’s sides, still face the financial challenge of purchasing their own uniforms.
“The grant is fantastic for our under-19’s, but we still have six senior teams that need updated guernseys as well,” Mr Preston said.
“Fundraising efforts will continue to ensure we can support all our teams moving forward.”
The Boronia Hawks, a volunteer-run club, are also growing their women’s teams and expanding opportunities for locals of all ages to participate in football and netball.
Mr Preston, who has been with the club for 10 years, emphasised the importance of community support, both in terms of funding and volunteer efforts.
“Sporting clubs play such an important role in local communities. It’s about more than just physical activity – it’s great for mental health and for bringing people together,” he said.
“Our volunteers put in a lot of time and effort to make this all possible, and every bit of funding helps us create a positive environment for everyone involved.”
The $1000 grant is part of a broader initiative by the Victorian Government, with more than $18 million allocated over the past decade to support community sport clubs across the state.
The funding, backed by the Regional Community Sport Development Fund, ensures that sporting facilities and programs remain accessible to all Victorians.
For more information on the Sporting Club Grants Program, visit: sport.vic.gov.au
