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Tom McIntosh announces all abilities grants boost inclusive sport and recreation for people with disability in East Gippsland

Seven East Gippsland groups have secured grants to boost inclusive sport, thanks to the All Abilities Participation program, supporting people with disability to get involved on and off the field.

By news@gippsland - 10th June 2025 - Back to News

People living with a disability in East Gippsland can look forward to more opportunities to be involved in the sports they love, with the Allan Labor government announcing the recipients of grants supporting even more people to participate on and off the field.

Grants are funding inclusive programs across East Gippsland, from gym upgrades to biathlon clinics and esports weekends

Expanding inclusive access

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh has announced that seven East Gippsland organisations would benefit from the Regional All Abilities Participation Grants program. The program delivers 88 grants worth more than $1.5 million from the Regional All Abilities Participation Grants program for grassroots sport and active recreation clubs, and not-for-profit organisations.

With grants of up to $25,000, the program aims to increase access, inclusion and options for people living with a disability to reap the benefits of sport and active recreation in regional Victoria. Disabilities support organisation Your Own Way in Bairnsdale will receive $20,071 through the scheme for an upgrade of its gym for people with disabilities.

All abilities empowered

The East Gippsland Biathlon Club will run an all-abilities biathlon clinic, supported by two separate grants of $25,000 through the scheme, while the Australian Esports Association will hold an inclusion and participation weekend in Paynesville, funded by $25,000. Riding for the Disabled Association in Bairnsdale is receiving $3,455 to cover communication devices and client and horse items.

The program is part of the Labor government's $40 million All Abilities Sport Fund that is removing barriers for people with disabilities to get involved in sport and recreation across regional Victoria. For more information on the grants and a full list of recipients visit Sport and Recreation Victoria website.

Championing inclusive sport

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh said, "Sport has so many incredible benefits that everyone in the community should be able to enjoy - congratulations to the local organisations that are making this a priority."

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said, "We want to create inclusive environments for people with disabilities to not only participate but kick start new opportunities in a range of roles in the sports they love."

Inclusive recreation expansion

Your Own Way Grants Manager Brad Campbell said, "Through this funding, we will be able to incorporate adaptive equipment, improve our facilities, and expand participation opportunities in sport and recreation for people with disabilities in the East Gippsland region."

"This initiative addresses an important community need, as many individuals with disabilities currently lack access to appropriate fitness facilities and programs locally. We look forward to sharing the benefits of this upgrade and to continuing our partnership in building an inclusive, healthy community," said Brad.

Pictures from Tom McIntosh MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com