Menu

Web site pages

This newsletter has been superceded by a later edition and some information will be out of date. You may link to the latest Community Update from our home page menu.

In this Issue:

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS REPORT
Our annual reporting and planning for 2008-09

NEWS
Newsletter Evaluation - Congratulations Heyfield Netball Club - Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Program - VicSport has launched the Women's Sport Initiative

CLUB SUCCESS STORIES IN GIPPSLAND
There must be something in the water - Morwell Football Netball Club wins national AFL award - Cowwarr Saints mid-season review - Boolarra Football Netball Club looking for more members

CLUB RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
South Coast Access Alliance

GRANTS AND CLUB FINANCES
Funding to support volunteers - Cycling Promotion Fund - Australian Sports Foundation Sport Incentive Program - Emergency Grant to Replace Essential Sports Equipment - Community Inclusion for the Disabled in Victoria by the ANZ bank

GOOD SPORTS UPDATE
Club News - Responsible Servicing of Alcohol Training

SEMINARS AND TRAINING
Level 1 Sports Trainer Morwell

SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS
Thank you Volunteer Program - Sudanese Swimming Day

TENNIS REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER PROGRAM
Resources Page for Tennis Development

FEEDBACK
Newsletter sharing

GIPPSPORT CONTACTS

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS REPORT

Our annual reporting and planning for 2008-09

All GippSport staff members are in the process of preparing Annual Reports for the 2007-08 financial year. GippSport exists through funding obtained from VicHealth, Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV), and the Australian Drug Foundation.

We also currently have a service agreement with Tennis Victoria. As an accountability mechanism we have to report on our achievements on an annual basis to all funding providers. We are then required to prepare plans for the following year outlining what we hope to achieve and how we will report on the targets we have set.

Pending approval of plans for 2008-09 GippSport will continue to provide support and facilitation to the following programs:

• Participation in Community Sport and Active Recreation (PICSAR) - VicHealth
• Access for All Abilities (AAA) – Sport and Recreation Victoria
• Supporting Country Sport (SCS) – Sport and Recreation Victoria
• Good Sports Program – Australian Drug Foundation
• Tennis Regional Development Officer Program – Central Gippsland

In addition we will continue to conduct the Most Disciplined Player Award Program and the Thank You Volunteer Program as well as continuing our partnerships with a number of State Sporting Associations. We will continue to provide up-to-date information to over 1000 sporting clubs in the Gippsland Region from our offices based in Moe/Newborough, Wonthaggi, Sale and Bairnsdale.

The GippSport staff deserves congratulations for the excellent work they have done in 2007-08 and we look forward to the future with great enthusiasm.

NEWS

Newsletter evaluation

GippSport's annual survey has recently been conducted with over 275 responses received, including 105 people who took up the offer to reply on-line. Overall 99.6% of respondents rated the newsletter satisfactory (ok or better) with 35% rating it as great or fantastic.

We are currently discussing the feedback and how it can be used to improve the quality of the newsletter. Any changes will be incorporated into future editions. A major consideration for staff is the delivery of our newsletter. While only 2.7% of people indicated they had a problem downloading the newsletter, 34% said they preferred the current format and 42.2% would prefer us to change to a PDF attachment.

Another significant finding was that 70% of clubs print and display the newsletter for their club members to read. As a result many clubs also requested that future newsletters be in a more printer friendly version.

Many clubs circulate the newsletter via email or print a copy and display in their club rooms. This is a great effort and we encourage all clubs to take up this good practice.

Sincere thanks to all clubs and individuals who went to the trouble of responding to the survey.

A more detailed summary of the survey results is available in PDF format.

Congratulations Heyfield Netball Club

All clubs and individuals who responded to our newsletter survey went into a lucky draw for $500 to be used for club improvements.

The lucky winning club was Heyfield Netball Club who have been presented with their cheque by Dawn Martin, GippSport Program Coordinator.

Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Program

The Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Program concluded on 18 June with over 30 people from as far as Cape York and the Kimberlies attending.

A highlight was having Derek Kickett (AFL Victoria) along to speak of his Kickstart program. A special thanks to all involved in this great program with particular mention to all presenters and Indigenous Sport and Recreation Victoria.

From the program, many young men are now more aware of services in and around Wonthaggi. In addition they gained many ideas on personal development and sporting opportunities.

If you're interested in any more information contact Mark Lindsay, GippSport Program Coordinator, 5672 4999 or email

VicSport has launched the Women’s Sport Initiative

VicSport is pleased to announce the launch of the Women's Sport Initiative which will support and advocate for women's issues on behalf of the sector. Following the closure of Women's sport and Recreation Victoria in 2006/07, the Department of Community Planning and Development (Sport and Recreation Victoria) has provided important support and funding for this initiative which will ensure that women's sport is strongly and specifically represented under the VicSport banner.

A fundamental part of the Women's Sport Initiative will be to deliver professional development and networking opportunities for those who work, play, volunteer or simply have an interest in the area of women's sport. A bi-monthly electronic Women's Sport Newsletter will also be produced as part of the initiative highlighting upcoming events, current and topical issues, breaking news, sporting results and of course Victorian female athlete successes.

If you wish to be included on the database please send an email to amberb@vicsport.asn.au with your contact details.

CLUB SUCCESS STORIES IN GIPPSLAND

There must be something in the water

Gippsland has produced another national champion. Bairnsdale Rowing Club member Dick Bales claimed four Gold and one Silver medal at the Australian Masters Rowing Championships Regatta held earlier this month at Nagambie Lakes. Dick took up the sport at 77 years of age in an effort to treat lower back problems. Now at the age of 83 he is winning national competitions and will be heading off to Lithuania later this year to compete in the World Masters games. GippSport would like to congratulate Dick on his achievements so far and wish him the best of luck for future events.

If you or someone you know are interested in taking up rowing please contact James Hill, GippSport Program Coordinator, ph 5153 1745 or email

Morwell Football Netball Club wins AFL award

The Morwell Football Netball Club has recently been advised that they were judged the winner of a national AFL award recognizing effort put into promoting the community football weekend.

In recognition of this the Club has been awarded the opportunity to have legendary coach and AFL 150th ambassador, Kevin Sheedy, conduct a coaching and development session later this season.

Cowwarr Saints Mid-season Review

Congratulations to the Cowwarr Football Netball Club on providing a comprehensive mid-season review to its members and the community.

They provided news from the Football department, Netball department, and the committee. There was an outline of social activities for the remainder of the year and strong promotion of the club's junior programs. This is an excellent initiative.

Boolarra Football Netball Club looking for more members

Boolarra Football Netball Club, a member of the Mid Gippsland Netball Association, is seeking experienced players for its senior teams for season 2008. Saturday afternoon games; room for individual players or a full team; season ends September. Come and join the friendly club! Enquiries: Cherry Prior 5169 6368.

CLUB RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

South Coast Access Alliance

In the coming weeks, many sport and recreation clubs will receive information in regard to the role of the South Coast Access Alliance.

The group is representative of many service providers throughout Southern Gippsland. It has been formed to create opportunities for people with a disability to participate in local sport and active recreation through clubs and community activities.

Clubs will be asked to complete a survey and return to GippSport to better identify current and future inclusive opportunities for people with a disability.

Ore details are available from Mark Lindsay, GippSport Program Coordinator at Wonthaggi, 5672 4999, or email

GRANTS AND CLUB FINANCES

Funding to support volunteers

Victorian Volunteer Small Support Grants of up to $5000 are now available to not-for-profit organizations. The grants are aimed at organizations wanting to increase the diversity of their volunteers and/or involve or encourage new volunteers. Preference will be given to organizations with relatively small operating budgets.

Volunteers play an invaluable role in their local communities. Without volunteers many local organizations would cease to function, and with them the important services they provide. These grants will help attract and recruit more volunteers to ensure that local organizations continue to go from strength to strength.

Since 2004, more than 1000 community groups have received over $3 million in grants to help them recruit and support volunteers.

Some examples of activities or projects which could be eligible for a Victorian Volunteer Small Grant include:

• a mentoring and awareness-raising program to involve people with disabilities as new  volunteers in community organizations
• a recruitment plan and advertising campaign, designed in partnership with an Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, to involve volunteers from rural New Arrival communities
• an Indigenous history program for local school children, developed with the local Indigenous community and using local elders as volunteers.
• provide essential equipment as part of a campaign to recruit and train more local surf life saving volunteers

Link directly to Victorian Volunteer Small Volunteer Grant information or visit www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au and use the Grants Finder. You can also call the Grants Information Line on 1300 366 356.

Applications can be submitted at any time throughout the year.

Cycling Promotion Fund

This grant is ongoing with various amounts available for recipients.

Purpose: To provide financial assistance to help not-for-profit organizations or government departments with the development of programs and projects that will increase participation in cycling across socio-demographic and age groups in the community, which would otherwise not be undertaken.

Overview: Programs and projects must:

• be based on demonstrated need and based on best practice approaches of projects of similar nature
• meet the objectives of the Fund to increase bicycle use
• have a clearly stated and achievable outcome
• have a clearly defined timetable which is realistic for the task or action
• have measurable outcomes (i.e. can be evaluated)

Particular consideration will be given to projects which:

• are based on collaboration and or partnerships with other organizations
• produce a repeatable outcome (eg a report, a methodology or program framework which can be used by others, or has a reasonable 'shelf life')
• attract additional funding (at least 1:1 or better) or in-kind contribution by the applicant and or from other sources

Priorities: Preference will be given to projects which will help to increase cycling as a transport or health/recreational option rather than sport or competition.

Information: See the web site www.cyclingpromotion.com.au/funding-opportunities.html , email speidel@cyclingpromotion.com.au or phone (03) 9818 5400.

Australian Sports Foundation Sport Incentive Program

The Foundation provides various amounts on an ongoing basis.

Purpose: To increase opportunities for Australians to participate in sport and/ or to excel in sports performance.

Overview: The Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) can assist Australian non-profit, incorporated and other eligible organizations such as sporting clubs, regional associations, schools, local councils and community groups.

The ASF can also offer a unique tax advantage to individuals and businesses donors.

Taxation guidelines prohibit the registration of projects with individuals. Your club or sporting organization may be able to register the project with the ASF, which will entitle them to support in their fundraising programs and access to tax-free donations.

Who can apply: The Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) can register sport related projects with the following organizations:

• Clubs - any club which satisfies the ASF criteria of being non-profit, financially viable and incorporated.
• Sporting organizations - the ASF can register projects with a variety of sporting organizations including regional, state and national bodies and whose responsibilities include grass roots and/or elite sport.
• Schools - The ASF can form partnerships with both government and independent schools to assist with their fundraising efforts for projects.
• Councils - Rural and metropolitan councils and other government agencies are able to establish ASF projects to assist with their fundraising.
• Community groups - Community based organizations including community and church groups are eligible to apply to register an ASF project.
• Other organizations - Other non-profit, incorporated organizations (such as trusts & foundations) can register projects with the ASF.

Information: Web site www.asf.org.au email: info@asf.org.au telephone: (02) 6214 7868

Emergency Grant to Replace Essential Sports Equipment

Maximum grant is $2,000. Applications are ongoing (ie no closing date and can be submitted at any time).

Purpose: To provide assistance to local sport and active recreation clubs and organizations to replace essential sports equipment that has been lost or destroyed as a consequence of fire, flood, significant storm event, theft or criminal damage.

Overview: While it is the responsibility of organizations to protect themselves against losses, it is recognized that in some circumstances sport and active recreation clubs suffer losses of essential equipment that they are unable to replace. Grants are available towards the replacement cost of essential equipment owned by the club or organization.

Essential equipment is:

• equipment that is necessary to participate in the sport or active recreation such as bats, balls, gloves, pads, helmets, equestrian jumps, nets, gymnastic mats, angling rods and reels,
• first aid equipment which is necessary for the immediate attention to injury that may occur during participation in the sport or active recreation.

Applications can be made at any time up to three months after the loss or damage.

Information: Link directly to Emergency Grant to Replace Essential Sports Equipment or visit www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au and use the Grants Finder. You can also call the Grants Information Line on 1300 366 356 or email grantapplications@dvc.vic.gov .

Community inclusion for the Disabled grants - ANZ Bank

The ANZ Trustees provide funds for a number of different types of projects. Community Inclusion for the disabled has the following aims:

• Enabling children with physical disabilities to gain access to mainstream community activities.
• Providing access to work, education and mainstream community activities for people with physical, intellectual or psychiatric disabilities.

The maximum grant is $30,000 and the minimum is $2,000. Applications close 1 September. Applicants must be an income tax exempt charity.

Details are at the ANZ Trustees web site. You can also email charitabletrusts@anz.com or phone 1800 808 910

GOOD SPORTS UPDATE

Club News

Congratulations to the following clubs in moving to their next level:

Traralgon Golf Club Level 2
Ulinga Gymnastics Level 0 Monitoring

New Registrations

Baw Baw Hockey Club
Woodside and District Football Netball Club
Traralgon Imperials Cricket Club

Responsible Servicing of Alcohol Training

If you wish to hold an RSA at your club please contact Kim on 5135 8335. GippSport will arrange the trainer and advertise for additional participants if they are required.

Liquor Licensing Seminar

GippSport in conjunction with Good Sports and the Victoria Police would like to invite up to five members of your committee or other club members to attend a Liquor Licensing Club Seminar. It will be held on Wednesday 20 August 2008 at Sporting Legends, 233 York Street Sale, from 7.00-9.00pm .

The session will cost $10.00 per person.

The aim of this Seminar is to raise the level of awareness of sport and recreation club's legal and moral responsibilities regarding the sale and consumption of liquor. Valuable information, advice and assistance will be provided on the night about Consumer Affairs – Liquor Licensing, Victoria Police and their role in Liquor Licensing and GippSport about Good Sports.

This Liquor Licensing Club Seminar is being presented in lieu of the new entrant training “Licensees' First Step” which is now a legal requirement for any person named as a Licensee on a new or changing Liquor Licence. The cost of attending this course at a TAFE is normally up to $180 per person.

If you are changing your Licensee or applying for a new Liquor License this training is compulsory .

Please note that to attend you must register and pay by Monday 18 August 2008. Cheques may be sent to GippSport PO Box 63 Newborough 3825.

For more information please contact Kim on 5135 8335.

SEMINARS AND TRAINING

Level 1 Sports Trainer course at Morwell

Sports Medicine Australia is holding a Level 1 Sports Trainer course at Morwell Football Club on Sunday 6 July and Sunday 13 July. Course cost is $220 and will cover topics including:

• Preventing Sport Injuries
• Principles of Injury Management
• Sports Taping
• Moving Injured Athletes
• Sports Nutrition
• Common Sporting Illnesses and Injuries
• Common Medical Conditions Affecting Athletes.

More information is available at the www.smavic.org web site, from Sports Medicine Australia on 9674 8777 or email to ssp@vic.sma.org.au

SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS

Thank you Volunteer Program

In May this year GippSport officially launched the Thank You Volunteer Program at South Gippsland Shire's Volunteer Expo. A little over a month down the track, over 100 sport and recreation clubs across Gippsland have registered.

This is a free program with the aim of thanking volunteers with cards supplied by GippSport.

Further information is on the GippSport web site www.gippsport.com.au/thankyou.php or you can contact your nearest GippSport office. (Details are at the end of Community Update.)

Sudanese Swimming Day

GippSport recently partnered with Latrobe Leisure, Swimming Victoria, Latrobe Community Health Service, Gippsland Multicultural Services and the Gippsland Sudanese Association for a Learn to Swim Day at Latrobe Leisure Morwell.

Over 100 people attended from the Sudanese community and now have a basic understanding of water safety, swimming, and knowledge of a great facility in their community.

An ongoing program is being discussed with an aim of increasing participation from this community in swimming as well as improving an appreciation of water safety and the ability to swim.

GippSport's involvement was through our VicHealth funding that aims to increase participation in sport and active recreation for disadvantaged groups. For more information contact David Roberts, GippSport Program Coordinator, on 5135 8335 or by email .

TENNIS REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER PROGRAM

Resources Page for Tennis Development

We are developing a resources page which will provide some specific tennis information for clubs. Clubs will also have a direct link to the existing resources on the GippSport page at www.gippsport.com.au

FEEDBACK

Newsletter sharing

GippSport would like to encourage clubs to share our newsletter with their members.

Please place the newsletter on a notice board or table so others can also share the information.

Additional copies are available from the GippSport web site (www.gippsport.com.au).

We also welcome any comments that you might have about about this edition and the information in it.

GippSport CONTACTS

This newsletter contains general information which should not be relied upon as a substitute for specific professional advice and only be used as a guide on issues. No responsibility can be accepted by GippSport or the authors for loss as a result of materials in this publication.