Canteen Grants help cricket clubs get back on their feet

After a difficult 18 months through the pandemic, the grants come at an important time as clubs prepare to re-open their doors.

Now in its fourth year, the Canteen Grants program has already helped 44 cricket clubs improve their electrical safety.

More than $175,000 has been distributed to local clubs so far, with new wiring, switchboards, fridges, toasters, hot water systems and coffee machines among the upgrades so far.

Clubs can now apply for grants for the 2020-21 season and can use the funds for replacement electrical appliances, electrical wiring and power boards, switchboards or related infrastructure to safely provide quality services.

Applications are open to any club in the CitiPower, Powercor or United Energy distribution areas, which includes all parts of western Victoria, the CBD and inner suburbs as well as much of Melbourne’s east, south east and the Mornington Peninsula.

CitiPower General Manager Corporate Affairs, Jo Pafumi, said safety on and off the field is important as the new season ramps up.

“Club canteens are likely to be even more popular this season as a place for players, supporters and families to come together,” Ms Pafumi said.

“With the grants offered, we hope more clubs can upgrade their facilities and provide even better services.”

Despite the interrupted nature of last season, CitiPower and Cricket Victoria received over 100 applications for canteen grants.

Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins said the grants were a great opportunity for clubs to review their equipment and safety.

“This has been a successful program for several years now, thanks to the support of our major partner CitiPower. There’s a big appetite for cricket to get underway but we also know that after the disruption of the pandemic there will be clubs looking to enhance their facilities or perform critical maintenance tasks after long periods without activity. These grants go a long way to supporting that preparation for the season ahead,” Cummins said.

Applications close Tuesday 30 November 2020, with successful cricket clubs announced on 10 January 2022.

To apply for a CitiPower and Cricket Victoria Canteen Grant please visit: https://www.cricketvictoria.com.au/citipower-canteen-grant/

To find out if your Club is connected to the CitiPower, Powercor or United Energy distribution network, enter your Club’s postcode in the following network finder