Applications for Energy Safe Victoria's (ESV) Safer Canteen Grants Program have opened with Victorian community football clubs able to apply for grants of up to $1000 to upgrade old and potentially dangerous gas or electrical appliances.

ESV, in partnership with AFL Victoria, has handed out more than $90,000 over the past three years through its Safer Canteens grants program, helping 100 Victorian football club canteens become safer and more efficient.

Safer Canteens promotes broader energy safety and supports community sport – boosting local regional and suburban economies after the impact of the coronavirus (COVID19).

Victorian clubs can apply for grants of up to $1,000 to replace old or faulty electrical or gas appliances in their canteen, with applications opening on Wednesday 2 June 2021.

ESV Commissioner and Chair Marnie Williams said $30,000 would be handed out through this year’s grants program with more than 30 clubs expected to receive a grant. An additional $1,000 Safer Canteen grant will also be awarded through ESV’s Canteen Hero program, where we recognise the contribution of canteen volunteers; the unsung heroes of footy clubs.

“After the disappointment of last year’s footy season being cancelled, it’s great to see our suburban, regional and rural athletes kicking and handballing in 2021,” Ms Williams said.

“ESV is proud to stand by community football and build on our long-standing partnership with AFL Victoria while also promoting awareness on important energy safety issues.

“Safer Canteens also helps us ensure the safety of canteen volunteers and the community by helping them purchase safe new appliances.”

Head of AFL Victoria Brad Scott applauded ESV’s continued support to ensuring footy canteens were safer.

“The past success of Safer Canteens highlights the integral role canteens play in the livelihoods of many clubs. We thank ESV for its ongoing commitment to community football and look forward to working with them to keep our players, officials and volunteers safe.”

Applications will close at midnight on 12 July 2021. 

CLICK HERE FOR GRANT GUIDELINES AND TO APPLY