The Dimboola Rowing Club has been provided a lifeline after being hit hard by years of drought.

Funds allocated through a VicHealth Active Club Grant will help the club to literally get back on the water and rebuild its role in the local community, said Dimboola Rowing Club President Ray Hutchinson.

The rowing club is one of almost 500 clubs and active recreation organisations across Victoria being funded with the aim of increasing participation in sport and active recreation.

“VicHealth is funding sporting clubs and organisations a total of nearly $930,000 for vital equipment and training,” said Victorian Health Promotion Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Todd Harper.

“It is all about encouraging more Victorians to get active. Essential sporting equipment, sports injury prevention equipment, portable shade and volunteer training are being funded,” Mr Harper said.

“Dimboola Rowing Club members as well as their families and friends are thrilled that VicHealth is providing funding for some new oars and rowing coach training,” Mr Hutchinson said. “And we finally have some water to row on, in our local Wimmera River,” he added.

More than 8000 sporting clubs across Victoria have received Active Club Grants over the past 20 years and more than 1 million club members have been able to access safer and better equipped clubs with better trained staff.

“There is a particular focus on assisting those people who face the greatest barriers to participation,” Mr Harper said.

“Studies show that disadvantaged groups are more likely to be overweight or obese and to suffer serious diseases like Type 2 Diabetes or heart disease. Increased physical activity can dramatically reduce the likelihood of these conditions,” Mr Harper added.

“We are very keen to see sporting clubs and organisations continue to engage more Indigenous Australians, new arrivals, people with disabilities and those living in low socio-economic communities,” explained Mr Harper.

A wide range of sporting clubs and physical activities have been supported, including the Chadstone Synners Disability Teams (Basketball and Australian Rules Football).

“These funds are fundamental for getting our disability basketball team into the Open League,” William Garland said.

“A small amount of money can make a big difference in the health and wellbeing of our team members. They are getting the chance to be physically active and improve mental wellbeing by being more confident and interacting with the broader community through sport,” Mr Garland stressed.

For more information go to VicHealth Active Club Grants web page.

For more information on successful recipients in regional Victoria, please contact your local Regional Sports Assembly.