A total of $100,000 was shared between 85 sports and community groups, with allocations ranging between $140 and $3000.

Club president Gary Nicholas said a record number of clubs were funded this year.

“This is the 18th year in which the club has made distribution of grants to the sports and community clubs of the Wimmera,” he said.

“In that time, grants totalling more than $1.4 million have been presented.

“The great thing is that it is split evenly across the region.

“We’re one of only two or three clubs in Victoria that operates that way, where the profits from gaming machines are evenly distributed throughout the community.”

Of the $100,000 in grants, $52,215 was given to sports clubs and $47,785 to community groups.

One club to receive funding was Horsham Motorcycle Club, which was awarded $1500 for four communication headsets for first aid officers.

Michael Spiers collected the grant on behalf of the club, and said it would help first aid response times at the track.

“The headsets will be used for communication between the start and finish line and first aid officers,” he said.

“You can’t see every part of the track, so being able to communicate will definitely help.

“It means when a rider crashes, there should be a response within 10 to 15 seconds.”

Mr Spiers said the equipment would help the club continue to host state and national events.

James Heard was honoured as Citizen of the Year at the function.

Mr Heard was congratulated by Mr Nicholas and Horsham Mayor David Grimble for a life full of outstanding volunteer service with many different organisations.

Mr Heard said his parents had encouraged him to take up community-minded activities when he was young.

“If it wasn’t for volunteers, many of the groups who have received money from Horsham Sports and Community Club this year wouldn’t exist,” he said.

“It has been a great pleasure to take part in all of the organisations I have been involved with, and the volunteers who pitched in and did great things.”

Cr Grimble said the grants handed out by the club were vital for the Wimmera.

“The grant applications vary greatly, but they are all so important to each club,” he said.

Apologies

Volunteering Western Victoria. Grant: $1100

Horsham Hockey Club. Grant: $500

Natimuk Golf Club. Grant: $700

Horsham and District Soccer Club. Grant: $800

Kaniva Golf Club. Grant: $1500

Natimuk United Football Netball Club. Grant: $1500:

Natimuk and District Gymnastic Club. Grant: $2000

Wimmera Football League Interleague. Grant: $2000