CitiPower and Cricket Victoria launch third year of Canteen Grants for clubs

The Canteen Grants program is now entering its third year and has already helped 26 cricket clubs improve their electrical safety.

More than $102,000 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 the Canteen grants were all about improving the safety of club cricketers and volunteers.

“We know the canteen is often the beating heart of a local cricket club with players, supporters and club volunteers all using those facilities, so it’s vitally important those facilities are safe,” Ms Pafumi said.

“We know this season is likely to be tougher than most for local cricket clubs given the impact of COVID so we’re very proud to be able to continue to provide these funds, with a longer four-week application window to help clubs apply.”

Last season CitiPower and Cricket Victoria received 98 application for canteen grants, up almost 70% on the previous year.

Cricket Victoria CEO Andrew Ingleton said the grants opportunity came at an important time for clubs.

“We’re delighted to see Victorian cricket get underway and these Canteen Grants really come at an important time. It has been a difficult winter and not every club will always be in a position to fund the necessary repairs and maintenance that is required. While we’re practising being COVID safe, together with CitiPower we’re focussed on improving and maintaining electrical safety as well,” Ingleton said.

Applications close 14 December 2020, with successful cricket clubs announced on 11 January 2021.

Applications

To apply for a CitiPower and Cricket Victoria Canteen Grant, click here.

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.

 

*IMAGE: Will Pucovski & CitiPower’s Joel Moloney visit upgrades made to the Preston Footballers Cricket Club in March 2020 (prior to COVID-19 restrictions).