The latest updates from Australian Sailing's General Manager – Victoria – Meaghan Densley 

Please click this link to find a copy of all past Victoria General Managers Updates. 

In this update, you will find the following:

• The Year Ahead – Save the Dates
• Exciting Updates to Australian Sailing’s Education & Training Programs
• Funding Opportunities

The Year Ahead - Save the Dates 

As we look ahead, here are some key events and initiatives to mark on your calendars:

• Zhik Youth Sail Series - VIC: Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club – 10-13 April
• Road Show Events (May-July):
  • Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club – 10 May
  • Portland Yacht Club – 24 May
  • Royal Geelong Yacht Club – 14 June
  • Royal Brighton Yacht Club – 21 June
  • Albury Woodonga Yacht Club – 28 June
• Officials Training in Focus - Live: Brighton Yacht Club (Confirmed) – 23 August
• State Sailing Awards: Sandringham Yacht Club – 12 September 2025
  

Exciting Updates to Australian Sailing’s Education & Training Programs

Funding Opportunities 

Victorian sailing clubs have access to several funding opportunities to support their activities and growth. Here are some grants clubs can consider applying for, along with their application deadlines:

Sporting Club Grants Program

• Purpose: Provides funding for club uniforms, equipment, volunteer training, and initiatives to increase accessibility and engagement.
• Application Deadline: This Grant come out twice a year. Next round is expected late February and September 2025
• More Information: here

Change Our Game Community Activation Grants

• Purpose: Supports initiatives that increase participation of women and girls in sport. Grants up to $10,000 are available.
• Application Deadline: Applications for the 2024-25 round are open and close on 26 February 2025.
• More Information: here

Coastcare Victoria Community Grants

• Purpose: Assists community organizations in protecting and enhancing coastal and nearshore marine environments.
• Application Deadline: Applications for the 2023-24 round opened on 6 December 2024 and close on 17 February 2025. Applicants will be notified by 18 April 2025.
• More Information: here

Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) Grants

• Purpose: Provides funding to support sports projects, including infrastructure development and community engagement initiatives. Clubs can apply for grants to enhance their facilities and programs. The ASF offers ongoing funding opportunities; specific application deadlines may vary.
• More Information: here 

Regional All Abilities Participation Grants

• Purpose: These grants support grassroots sport and active recreation clubs, as well as community-based not-for-profit organizations, to enable ongoing, sustainable, and meaningful participation for people with disabilities in regional Victoria. Australian Sailing is assisting clubs to apply for $25,000 for acquiring a new Rescue Boat. The application deadline is February 10, and most of the application has been prepared—you just need to submit it. This is a significant opportunity to strengthen your club and secure its future. Contact Liam Whitehouse for more information, or click here
• Application Deadline: The application deadline is February 24th, and most of the application has been prepared—you just need to submit it.
• More Information: email Meaghan.densley@sailing.org.au

Regional Discover Sailing Centres Participation Development Program

• Purpose: Australian Sailing is excited to invite your club to join the Regional Discover Sailing Centres (DSC) Participation Development Program. This initiative aims to expand sailing opportunities, build stronger club capacity, and drive increased participation across regional Victoria.
• More Information: email Meaghan.densley@sailing.org.au

The Stronger Communities Programme Round 9

• Infrastructure Enhancements: Upgrading or constructing facilities such as clubhouses, storage areas, or amenities to improve member experience and attract new participants.
• Equipment Purchases: Acquiring essential equipment like rescue boats, safety gear, or sailing vessels to enhance training programs and events.
• Accessibility Improvements: Implementing modifications to ensure facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities, fostering an inclusive environment.
• Community Engagement Initiatives: Organizing events or programs that promote sailing to the broader community, encouraging participation and fostering local engagement.
• Purpose: An Australian Government initiative designed to support community projects that enhance local infrastructure and social benefits. Clubs can apply for grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000, covering up to 100% of eligible project costs.
• Sailing clubs can leverage this funding for various initiatives
• Application Process: Applications are by invitation from local Federal Members of Parliament (MPs). Clubs should contact their MP to express interest and seek guidance on the application process.

For detailed information on eligibility criteria, application processes, and deadlines, clubs should visit the respective grant websites or contact the funding bodies directly.

For any inquiries or further information on the above topics, please contact our office directly.

Club Support Hits the Road 

Australian Sailing has been actively engaging with clubs across the state through our "Club Support Hit the Road" initiative. This program involves team members visiting various sailing clubs to provide support, share resources, and foster community engagement.

Recent Visits:

• Festival of Sails at Royal Geelong Yacht Club:  Meg attended the Festival of Sails, connecting with participants and offering support.
• Mordialloc Sailing Club: Alex visited Mordialloc Sailing Club, meeting with the team and observing their activities.
• Williamstown Sailing Club: Alex and Meg visited Williamstown Sailing Club, established in 1910, to discuss club operations and support initiatives.
• Geelong Trailable Yacht Club: Meaghan and Meg visited Geelong Trailable Yacht Club, engaging with members and discussing club development.
• Mornington Yacht Club: Meaghan and Jack visited Mornington Yacht Club during their Laser and Opti coaching program, providing assistance and guidance.

These visits are part of Australian Sailing ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships with local clubs, understand their needs, and provide tailored support to enhance the sailing experience across the region.

For more updates and information, you can follow Australian Sailingon our Facebook page.