A review of federal grants issued by the former Labor government could leave Werribee Football Club thousands of dollars out of pocket and deny young migrants access to sports programs.
In June, the former government promised Werribee Football Club a $50,000 grant to fund the Wyndham Sporting Opportunities Project.
The project is aimed at helping young migrants participate in sports, providing them with opportunities to learn new skills, make friends and connect with the community. The grant was to be part of the former government’s diversity and social cohesion program.
The Tigers, in partnership with AFL Victoria, the Centre for Multicultural Youth and Wyndham council, have already employed Sudanese community leader Majak Bol to run the project.
Tigers chief executive Mark Penaluna said the project could not continue without the funding, leaving the club to foot the bill. He said the club was disappointed the new government’s review was jeopardising the project.
“We believe we have a contract with the federal government to deliver the project. The federal government signed a funding agreement,” he said. “It’s not just about the club, this is a community project.
‘‘The project will help others to understand the importance of being involved in sport, whether in individual games like tennis or team sports like netball. It will identify the challenges facing people from diverse cultures such as access and affordability.” Lalor Labor MP Joanne Ryan has raised the issue in Federal Parliament, urging Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews to honour the grant. “In a growing and diversifying community like ours we need to be vigilant to prevent intolerance, exclusion and a lack of opportunity,’’ she said.
‘‘[The Tigers] insist that they have a role in addressing these issues.
“If they are willing to do their bit, why then is the government refusing to do its bit?”
A department spokesman said the government was assessing all grants to ensure they were consistent with its priorities and commitments.
He said grant recipients would be notified once the review was complete.
