The Australian Sports Commission’s Local Sporting Champions program are now open, providing financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12-18 participating in state, national or international championships. Successful applicants will receive $500-$750 towards the cost of attending their championships.

Sons of the West is back for 2026, and registrations are now open! This free 10-week health and wellbeing program for men aged 18+ will run across two Ballarat locations from mid-April, with weekly two-hour sessions combining health education, social connection and inclusive physical activity for all fitness levels. Participants also receive free support from health professionals, helping you build confidence and improve your wellbeing in a supportive, welcoming environment.

Community sporting organisations are the backbone of the Central Highlands, often driven by dedicated volunteers who foster participation, connection and pride. Recognising the challenges many face. such as volunteer turnover, limited succession planning and difficulties in attracting diverse leaders, Leading from the Front offers a practical solution. Delivered by Sports Central, this workforce sustainability program strengthens off-field leadership, committees and volunteer structures.

The Emergency Sporting Equipment Grant Program provides funding of up to $1,000 for community sport and active recreation organisations across Victoria to replace or repair essential sport or first aid equipment that has been lost or destroyed because of unpreventable incidents.

The Victorian Government’s Sporting Club Grants Program is now open. This funding helps grassroots clubs and organisations address barriers in participation, develop safe and sustainable practices and build social and active local communities.

The Victorian Government’s Regional All Abilities Participation Grants support clubs and community organisations to enable ongoing, sustainable and meaningful participation for people with disability in regional Victoria. Our team is here to assist with applications, support project development and explore potential partnerships.

Love golf or want to give it a go? Come and join the Special Olympics Ballarat Golf Program, a fun and inclusive program, designed specifically for people with an intellectual disability and/or autism. It’s a fantastic way to learn new skills, stay active, build confidence and make new friends, all in a welcoming and supportive environment.

The Victorian Government’s 2025-26 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund is now open. The Fund is a statewide competitive Victorian Government investment program. It provides funding to develop high-quality, accessible community sport and active recreation infrastructure.

The Country Football and Netball Program is delivered in partnership with the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria. It provides funding to Local Government Authorities to help regional football and netball clubs, associations and umpiring organisations upgrade and develop facilities in rural, regional and outer metropolitan locations.

The Ballarat Accessible Sport Calendar celebrates inclusive sporting opportunities for people with disability across the Ballarat region. Whether you’re interested in joining a team, trying a new activity or connecting with others in a welcoming environment, the calendar makes it easy to find programs designed for diverse needs and abilities.