SPORTS and community groups from across the Wimmera have shared in the annual Horsham Sports and Community Club grants program. 

More than 100 sports and community groups received donations totalling $127,500.  

The club has contributed $1.8 million to the Wimmera sports and community groups since 1992.

Club manager Glenn Carroll said the opportunity to support the region’s groups was fantastic. 

“Every group receiving an award has a purpose unique to them and it is great to help them achieve that goal,” he said.    

Among the recipients were 10 sporting clubs, who shared $17,000. 

Mr Carroll said sport was the heart and soul of the community. 

Horsham District and Wimmera leagues were awarded $2500 each to contribute to costs associated with competing at interleague competitions. 

Wimmera league chief commissioner Trevor Albrecht said he was grateful for the support. 

“We are always playing catch-up in the interleague and the donation will help cover costs of uniforms and gear for our players,” he said. 

“If we can continue to look after our players, we can keep the best of the best representing us.” 

Mr Albrecht said the sports and community club’s efforts were appreciated across the region. 

“Not only are they aiding us, but other sporting groups from football, netball – even racing … it is beneficial to the community that we can keep these clubs up and running,” he said. “For us, we don’t have a huge income and the donation helps relieve stress on the club.” 

Nine Wimmera fire brigades received a total $9817. 

The Country Fire Authority’s Region 17 operations manager Dale Russell said the grants would assist the brigades greatly. 

“We are very appreciative of the sports and community club for being so generous over the years,” he said.

Mr Carroll said Wimmera fire brigades had received $101,476 across 25 years as part of the club’s sponsorship program.

He said it was great to help community service groups in the region.