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Local Sporting Clubs 'Save It For The Game'Sporting champions Liz Ellis and Billy Brownless have backed a new initiative to help cash-strapped local sports clubs save money, maintain low fees and keep sports accessible for the local community.
By Bass Coast - 21st August 2014 - Back to News The ‘Save it for the Game’ program, officially launched on Monday, 11 August 2014, guides clubs through six easy steps to save energy and reduce their electricity bills.
AFL great and community sports advocate, Mr Brownless, said that the project was not just about the environment but supported the ongoing financial sustainability of local community sports clubs.
"We want to help clubs cut their electricity costs so they can spend more money on the good stuff, like new equipment, uniforms and training, without having to increase membership fees," Mr Brownless said.
"We’ve come up with the top six ways that every club can save energy and we’ve kept it simple so clubs can save their time, and money, for the game.
"A few dollars a day saved by putting fridges and urns on timers could be the equivalent of new uniforms at the end of the year."
The pilot project, funded with $992,750 from the Australian Energy Efficiency Information Grants Program, is a partnership initiative between the Bass Cost Shire Council and seven other councils in the region through the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance.
A total of 51 clubs with more than 13,500 members across the south east region have participated in energy audits.Energy saving initiatives have been tested and the top six most beneficial interventions have been identified: fridges off, lights out, shorter showers, watch the weather, unplug and use the sun.
The 51 clubs will now receive one-on-one support to develop and implement their individual energy-saving action plans.In addition, a suite of educational resources such as videos, factsheets and case studies will be available via the campaign website www.saveit.org.au for all sports clubs across the country who wish to implement their own energy saving programs with their members.
Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor, Cr Neil Rankine, said the project was a great example of sports club volunteers, sporting greats and local and federal government working together to provide much-needed grassroots support, with potential benefits Australia-wide.
"Bass Coast’s sporting clubs are a vital part of the health, wellbeing and social make-up of our community and only exist because of the tireless efforts of thousands of volunteers," Cr Rankine said.
"This program not only benefits the environment, but saves clubs money, which may just mean one less sausage sizzle for these volunteers to organise each year."
A total of five clubs in Bass Coast are participating in the pilot project, including:
- • Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club
- • Dalyston Football and Netball Club
- • Inverloch Kongwak Football and Netball Club
- • Kilcunda Bass Football Club
- • Wonthaggi Workmen’s Cricket Club
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Latrobe City hosted the 2025 Gippsland New Energy Conference, attracting 1,000 attendees and showcasing the region's renewable energy leadership, delivering major economic benefits and fostering industry, government, and community collaboration. - Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening. - Allan Labor government backs regional footy and netball with $1.5M from 2025-26 Country Football and Netball Program
The Allan Labor government is investing $1.5 million in Morwell sports clubs through the Country Football and Netball Program, while opening new grants to upgrade regional facilities and boost community participation. - Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity. - Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot approved, $1.768M federal funding restores vital community infrastructure
Bass Coast Council’s Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot approved, receiving $1.768 million federal funding, restoring safe access, supporting local residents, industry, emergency services, with tendering expected early 2026. - Bass Coast Shire Council adopts new Rating Strategy, lowering farm rates and modernising fair valuation system
Bass Coast Shire Council adopts new Rating Strategy, lowering farm rates, increasing vacant land differential, introducing pensioner and first-homeowner rebates, and aligning Rural Land Management reforms with biodiversity and community feedback. - Bass Coast Shire Council adopts new Rating Strategy, lowering farm rates and modernising fair valuation system
Bass Coast Shire Council adopts new Rating Strategy, lowering farm rates, increasing vacant land differential, introducing pensioner and first-homeowner rebates, and aligning Rural Land Management reforms with biodiversity and community feedback. - From Job expos to farms and sports awards connecting communities across East Gippsland through events and advocacy
From jobs expos to farm visits, sports awards, and community projects, recent weeks highlighted East Gippsland's talent, resilience, and collaboration, advocacy, and opportunities that strengthen local communities. - Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement.
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