The Wimmera's sporting scene has been given a welcome boost, with 11 clubs and associations the beneficiaries of the latest round of state government support.
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Eight $1000 grants have been approved for organisations in the Horsham Rural City Council area under the second round of the Community Sport Sector COVID-19 Short-term Survival Package.
The successful organisations are the Dimboola Bowling Club, Dimboola Croquet Club, Dimboola Girl Guides, Horsham Angling Club, Colts Cricket Club, Horsham Early Bird Guides, Horsham Night Owl Guides and Quantong Cricket Club.
Dimboola Bowling Club president Darryl Argall said the grant would relieve some of the financial pressure caused by the pandemic.
"The club's been down through lack of patronage. The members haven't been allowed in for a few beers, but the administration and all that has got to go on," he said. "It's going to be some sort of help to fill a big gap that was there."
It was also announced $2000 association and league grants were headed the way of both the Dimboola and District, and South Arapiles tennis associations.
The Horsham Amateur Basketball Association will also receive a boost in the form of a $1,500 top-up on the funding it received in the first round of the package.
Sporting clubs statewide have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many losing traditional revenue streams - such as gate takings, canteen sales and fundraising events.
Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford was hopeful the cash boost would help sustain the region's increasingly important sports clubs.
"We know that people in Horsham Rural City want to get out and represent their local clubs more than ever - we're working hard to make that happen and give local clubs the support they need," she said.
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Mr Argall echoed the sentiment and said bowls offered a social outlet that could be difficult to find during the pandemic.
"We've probably got an average age of somewhere from 75 to 80. Not too many of our members are workers; they're all retired," he said.
"It's very important for them to get out and socialise and have a chat with everybody. It keeps them mobilised, and it keeps their mind occupied, which is pretty bloody important."
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