By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Ferntree Gully Golden Cobra Martial Arts Inc. has been awarded a vital grant from the State Government, as part of its Sporting Club Grants Program, to replace essential training equipment for its members.
The $993 grant will help the local club, which provides martial arts training to both children and adults, including those with neurodivergent conditions, continue offering safe and effective instruction.
The fundraising officer for Golden Cobra Martial Arts, Laura Morphett said the club applied for the grant in late September 2024 and was notified of its success just a few months later in December.
“We were delighted to hear we’d been successful. The whole process was incredibly straightforward, and we received the confirmation fairly quickly,” Ms Morphett said.
“This funding comes at a critical time for us as our equipment was starting to wear out – it’ll make a big difference in ensuring that our members can continue to train safely.”
The club will use the funding to replace several pieces of training equipment that are essential for martial arts, such as kick bags, focus pads, and training bows.
As is the case with many sports, the gear used in martial arts can wear down rapidly due to frequent use, meaning that regular replacement is necessary to maintain safety standards.
“The equipment we use takes a lot of punishment in training, and safety is our top priority,” she said.
“We can’t risk using old or damaged equipment, especially when it’s being used for high-impact activities. With this grant, we’ll be able to replace the gear and continue providing quality, safe training for our members.”
Golden Cobra Martial Arts, a not-for-profit organisation, is committed to making martial arts accessible to a diverse range of participants, with a particular focus on those with neurodivergent conditions.
Ms Morphett stressed that while martial arts can have significant benefits for individuals with neurodivergence, such as improved focus, discipline, and coordination, the rising costs of running a club can make it difficult to keep programs affordable.
“Costs are always a challenge for community organisations like ours, and martial arts can be an expensive activity to run—especially when you factor in things like insurance, utilities, and maintaining high-quality facilities,” she said.
“This grant is a lifeline for us and helps ensure that we can continue providing affordable training to those who benefit most from it.”
The Sporting Club Grants Program, which has been in place for over a decade, helps local sports clubs across the state by funding equipment, uniforms, volunteer training, and projects aimed at increasing accessibility and community engagement.
Community Sport Minister Ros Spence, spoke to the importance of these grants in supporting local clubs.
“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,” Ms Spence said.
The grants program is part of a broader effort supported by the Regional Community Sport Development Fund, which also includes infrastructure upgrades and community sport initiatives aimed at improving access to sport and active recreation across Victoria.
For more information on the Sporting Club Grants Program, including a full list of recipients, visit sport.vic.gov.au.
