First VIC

A program encouraging young Aboriginal people in the Victorian era to ride the wave of success through surfing got the perfect break thanks to the government of the Victorian era.

Community Sports Minister Ros Spence today announced a $ 100,000 boost for Surfing Victoria’s Native surf program.

Since 1998, the Native Surfing Program has provided a range of opportunities for native Victorian youth to compete in and compete in surfing, and more recently stand-up paddleboarding.

Between 2018 and 2020 alone, over a thousand participants took part in waves, skills workshops, water safety and competitions in 14 different locations across the state, 50% of those participants were young women and girls.

The funding will help Surfing Victoria increase social participation and employment opportunities for young Indigenous Australians and expand its partnerships through the program.

VicHealth will also continue to support the Native surf program provide $ 100,000.

Supporting the Surfing Victoria initiative is part of the government’s work to build a more sustainable sport sector and increase participation for all.

The government’s investment includes more than $ 18 million disbursed during the first round of the Ensemble Plus Active Program, with $ 6.3 million donated to 79 sport and active recreation organizations for projects that improve their competitive advantage, strengthen organizational capacity, increase membership and sustainability, create more opportunities for participation and increase diversity and inclusion.

For more information on the grant possibilities available through the Together more active program, visit sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding.

As stated by Community Sport Minister Ros Spence

“From Bell’s Beach to Cape Woolamai, Victoria is synonymous with surfing, and what better way to make a difference in the lives of young people than to engage Indigenous youth and create pathways to success.

As South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman said

“I am delighted that we are continuing this partnership with Surfing Victoria to empower Indigenous youth and Torres Strait Islander Victorians to become active while creating deeper connections with others, communities and places.

As Surfing CEO Victoria Adam Robertson said

“We look forward to continuing to develop and strengthen this incredible program with the support of First Nations communities and the Government of Victoria. “