Applications have opened for the third round of Victoria’s Regional All Abilities Participation Grants, aimed at increasing access to sport and recreation for regional Victorians with disability.
The program offers grants of up to $25,000 across three streams: equipment and travel support, inclusion workforce development, and disability-led initiatives. Funding can be used to purchase adaptive sporting equipment such as sports wheelchairs, modified bats and racquets, sensory balls and throwing frames, designed to support safer and more inclusive participation in local sport.
Support is also available for initiatives that create pathways for people with disability to take on roles as coaches, administrators and volunteers, while also helping organisations cover travel costs for competitions, festivals and events. Groups can also use funding to develop and deliver their own all-abilities programs.
Previous recipients have included community sporting organisations across regional Victoria. Seaspray Surf Lifesaving Club received funding to support its Starfish Nippers program with customisable foam surfboards for young participants. Community Accessibility Incorporated used funding to deliver a range of modified sports programs at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre, while the Mallee Sports Assembly received support to help deliver the 2026 Mildura Tri-State Games, a week-long event for people with disability.
Eligible applicants include local clubs, state sporting bodies, disability organisations, self-advocacy groups and health or disability service providers working to improve community participation.
The initiative sits within the Victorian Government’s $40 million All Abilities Sport Fund, which supports efforts to reduce barriers and expand access to sport and recreation across regional areas.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said the program is designed to broaden opportunities for participation across different roles in sport, including playing, coaching and volunteering, while strengthening inclusive environments within local communities.
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