Twelve Victorian cricket clubs will receive funding through the program this year – totalling $56,000 in grants – with clubs able to apply for grants of up to $5,000 each.
The program is now in its fifth year, having commenced in 2018. This year’s grants bring the total funding provided to $279,000, distributed between 69 local cricket clubs.
There were 132 cricket clubs that submitted grant applications this year – the most of any year to date.
Over the life of the grants program, clubs have been able to use the funding to support a range of necessary upgrades, including electrical upgrades, new refrigerators, and oven replacements.
Among the projects to have been funded are 32 refrigerators, electrical upgrades to 26 club canteens, the replacement of 14 ovens and the replacement of appliances including bain maries, pie warmers and dishwashers.
CitiPower General Manager, Joanne Pafumi, said:
“This year, the application process was open during Victoria’s most recent flood disaster, and we witnessed a spike in applications from areas that were struck the hardest; clubs seeking grant support because they didn’t have the funds to replace lost appliances,” Ms Pafumi said.
“We all know how essential it is for communities to have places to gather, especially in times of need, and we hope that small things like our grant funding can assist clubs to continue operating and get back on their feet.”
Cricket Victoria CEO, Nick Cummins, said:
“This year, we had a record number of applicants, which highlights the importance of this funding in assisting clubs, volunteers and communities,” Mr Cummins said.
“It’s pleasing to be able to provide funding to support projects at 12 clubs this year and also to better understand the current circumstances and challenges at clubs across Victoria. Over the five years the Canteen Grants program has been running, almost $300,000 has been provided to Victorian cricket clubs to upgrade their facilities, which is an outstanding result.
“We thank our major partner, CitiPower, for their continued and generous support of Victorian cricket and community clubs in our state.”
2022-23 Canteen Grant Recipients
The next round of canteen grant applications will open on 16 October 2023. To find out more, click here.