Delivered in partnership with the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria, the Country Football and Netball Program provides funding to assist regional football and netball clubs, associations and umpiring organisations to upgrade and develop facilities in rural, regional and outer metropolitan locations.

Examples of projects eligible for funding include:

• developing new, or redeveloping existing change rooms and pavilions to increase capacity, inclusion and safety
• developing new, or redeveloping existing sports ovals and courts to increase capacity, inclusion and safety
• sports lighting that improves capacity, inclusion and safety. Lighting projects may include installing new LED lighting infrastructure, or replacing non-LED lighting with LED lamps to meet lighting standards
• projects that result in energy or water efficiency, with a direct impact on participation, such as warm-season grass conversions
• projects that benefit multi-use outcomes where football or netball is the primary beneficiary.

The program reflects the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions' (DJSIR) priorities to ensure the state's economy benefits all Victorians by creating more jobs for more people, building thriving places and regions, and nurturing inclusive communities.

Examples of projects eligible for funding include the following:

• Developing new or redeveloping change rooms and pavilions to increase capacity, inclusion and safety.
• Developing new or redeveloping existing sports ovals and courts to increase capacity, inclusion and safety.
• Sports lighting that improves facility capacity and participant safety. Lighting projects may include the installation of new LED Lighting Infrastructure, or the replacement of non‑LED lighting with LED lamps to permit lighting standards to be met. Should existing lighting poles be retained, a report from an engineer or other suitable expert confirming that they are structurally sound would need to be provided. Applications should also advise whether a power upgrade will be required onsite, or if the current power is suitable for the new lighting.
• Projects that result in energy or water efficiency, with a direct impact on participation, such as warm season grass conversions.
• Infrastructure on school land with confirmed community use.
• Projects that benefit multi use outcomes where football or netball is the primary beneficiary.

Eligible Applicants

Only Victorian Local Government Authorities (LGAs) are eligible to apply directly to the Program, limited to:

• rural and regional LGAs
• interface LGAs for facilities used by teams participating in leagues that are affiliated with an AFL Victoria Country League or a Netball Victoria Regional League or for facilities in areas where rurality can be demonstrated
• Frankston, Greater Dandenong and Kingston LGAs for facilities used by teams participating in an AFL Victoria Country League.

• Phone: 1800 325 206
• Email: communityinfrastructure@sport.vic.gov.au