The Andrews Labor Government is increasing participation in sport and recreation for Aboriginal young people.

To mark National Reconciliation Week and the annual Dreamtime at the G clash between Richmond and Essendon, Minister for Sport John Eren today announced $600,000 in funding for four programs to remove barriers to young Aboriginal people getting active.

The Government is ensuring everyone can play the sports they love, in modern, safe and inclusive facilities, no matter where they live.

We also believe everyone deserves equal access to sport at all levels, regardless of their cultural background. That is why we’re getting on with breaking down barriers to sports participation.

The funding will deliver:

• Four additional cultural and recreational camps for Aboriginal youth, with a particular focus on children in out of home care.
• More Sporting Clubs Grants to address cost barriers to participation such as travel, uniforms and equipment for Aboriginal youth.
• A cultural education program for sporting clubs, with a particular focus on junior clubs, at four pilot sites.
• Additional investment to build State Sporting Associations cultural capacity, as well as building further participation opportunities.

We are also developing our state-wide plan to boost participation in sport and recreation for Aboriginal children and young people.

Within the adult Aboriginal population, only 38 per cent of men and 23 per cent of women participated in sport and physical activity.

This means poorer health outcomes including higher rates of avoidable diseases like Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease. This investment hopes to change that.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren

“This will help bridge cultural divides through sport and create more accessible and inclusive grassroots sports clubs for Aboriginal kids.”

“With the help of sports associations like the AFL we are making a real difference for the next generation of Aboriginal superstars to follow in their Dreamtime legends footsteps.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins

“Aboriginal heritage is interwoven with our home grown game and it’s fantastic to see that finally acknowledged and honoured at the highest level.”

“We know that at a grassroots level, more work needs to be done to help Aboriginal kids get more active and embrace healthier lifestyles.”