By NICOLE VALICEK
HOBSONS Bay City Council will no longer deliver its Access for All Abilities (AAA) Program, but it’s not gone for good.
AAA is a program that works with local sport and recreation providers to increase the number of opportunities for people with a disability to participate in local sport and recreation.
The Victorian Government recently announced that as of the end of last month funding provided to local government will be redirected to state sporting associations and regional sports assemblies.
Local sporting clubs in Hobsons Bay can contact Reclink, who has been appointed first point of call contact for these groups, to find out where AAA programs will be held in the local area. This means that local sporting groups will have access to programs provided by state sporting associations that have been successful in gaining funding under the revised program.
Sport and Recreation Minister Hugh Delahunty said state sporting associations play a pivotal role in helping get more people into sport and physical activity.
“From the outset my key objective has always been to increase participation of all Victorians whether as players, coaches, volunteers or administrators,” he said.
“This renewed program will give more support to sporting associations and their clubs to involve people with disability.”
He said the program will enable sports to broaden the opportunities for people with disability to get into more sports across the state.
“A total of $3.9 million will be provided, over the coming year, to sport and community organisations who will work with local clubs to deliver services that open up more sporting opportunities for people with disability.”
Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, Williamstown general manager Alex McGillivray said the initial AAA funding from the council was a seed that started a great program.
“We’re very happy to say it’s going to be an ongoing program, something the club believes in deeply in assisting the community,” he said.
“It is impacting positively on people’s lives. We’re inviting more to come into the program.”
Altona Cricket Club organiser Lorraine Woodman said the council funding allowed the team to buy uniforms and equipment.
“It’s brought a lot of joy to them and given them something to do on the weekend, it’s developed.”
By the end of July, state sporting associations that have applied for funding under the revised program will know whether they have been successful in gaining funding to run AAA programs. Those applications are currently being assessed.
