A total of $2.3 million is available for sporting clubs in 10 municipalities including the Hindmarsh, Horsham, Northern Grampians, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack Shires. 

In March, the state government provided drought assistance funding to assist clubs with maintenance clubs.

Funding assistance is now available for projects such as harvesting rainwater, storm water or the use of recycled water for irrigating sports fields, planting drought resistant turf or the purchase of water efficient assets such as synthetic surfaces.

As we know, sporting and recreation clubs are incredibly important for our rural communities. They not only provide an opportunity for local people to keep fit, but also offer a forum for improved social connections and general wellbeing.

Maintaining green facilities is a significant expense to our clubs.

The implementation of sustainable water management practices will help reduce water bills and alleviate financial pressures. 

Funding will help sporting clubs continue to maintain their infrastructure, providing essential social connections and physical and mental health benefits to our country communities.

I encourage all sporting and recreation clubs in the eligible municipalities to consider applying for one of these grants.

Applications for the Sustainable Water Fund – Community Sport and Recreation Program close on November 10.

Further information is available from the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning website www.delwp.com.au, by emailing sport.droughtsupport@delwp.vic.gov.au or calling 1300 366 356.

EMMA KEALY

Member for Lowan

PLEASE allow me to make some observations on some of the people who like to be quoted in the Mail-Times.

Government employees and appointees like to behave like little gods and make out that the recent good rains are their doing.

GWMWater seems to be in a quandary over floodwater paths above the Rich Avon Weir and getting to Lake Batyo Catyo.

Their record on water issues in the east Wimmera could have been better.

OLIVER GUTHRIE

Ballarat 

WIMMERA Health Care Group and Horsham Centre Cinemas are partnering to promote a documentary on embracing healthy bodies.

The documentary Embrace will screen at Horsham Centre Cinemas at 7.30pm on November 8. The documentary is a social impact film that explores issues of body image.

Embrace is directed by Taryn Brumfitt and she said the inspiration for the film came about after posting an unconventional before-and-after image on the internet in 2013 that sparked an international media frenzy.

Taryn said the image, which embraces body diversity, was seen by more than 100 million people worldwide and led to hundreds of interviews and articles and then the documentary. We believe this is an important issue and so does Horsham Centre Cinemas so we have partnered with them and the showing will have a price of $10 to reduce the burden on families.

Wimmera Health Care Group dietitian Pam Marshman will introduce and close the session and there will be information available from local support services and counsellors. More info on film can be found at the website bodyimagemovement.com

To book, people can contact the cinema on 5382 1249. 

JANINE HARFIELD

Community Health Co-ordinator