Victoria (VIC)

Sport and Recreation Victoria, opens in a new tab works with industry and the sport sector to support the development of world class infrastructure and facilities and to build inclusive participation in sport and recreation.

Programs, resources and reports

• Active Victoria: A strategic framework for sport and recreation 2022-2026, opens in a new tab, State of Victoria, Department of Jobs, Regions and Precincts, (2022). Under the Connecting Communities objective the plan aims to 'Target efforts towards individuals and communities who participate less' including Aboriginal Victorians. One identified key direction to achieve this is to 'Enable an Aboriginal community-led and self-determining approach to sport and active recreation'.
• The Aboriginal Program Team, opens in a new tab aims to enable an Aboriginal community-led and self-determining approach to sport and active recreation that is accessible to and inclusive of Aboriginal Victorians. The program aims to:
  • increase awareness within the sport and recreation industry of ways that it can be more inclusive
  • increase participation of Aboriginal Victorians in sport and active recreation
  • create a sport and recreation sector that is inclusive of and accessible to Aboriginal Victorians
  • increase the involvement of Aboriginal Victorians in the sport and recreation industry
  • facilitate links between sport and recreation organisations, Aboriginal communities and other relevant agencies..
• Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program, opens in a new tab, Sport and Recreation Victoria, (accessed 14 August 2025). The Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program provides grants to assist Aboriginal Victorians to participate in Aboriginal sport carnivals, buy sports uniforms and equipment, as well as funding for travel and accommodation expenses for athletes to compete in state and national competitions.
• VicHealth, opens in a new tab provides funding for a range of initiatives that aim to improve the health and mental wellbeing of Aboriginal Victorians. These include mentoring programs for school students; projects to increase physical activity; employment and capacity building initiatives; and efforts tackling the devastating impact of family violence.
• Vicsport, opens in a new tab. This page has been developed by Vicsport in partnership with the Victorian State Government to provide you with practical information and resources in understanding the important role sport plays in creating safe and welcoming environments for Aboriginal people. Includes two videos highlighting how sport can be used as a vehicle to create social change, and how storytelling is at the heart of Aboriginal culture.
• Korin Korin Balit-Djak, opens in a new tab, Victorian Government, Familie, Fairness and Housing, (accessed 13 August 2025). The Korin Korin Balit-Djak plan details how the department will work with Aboriginal communities, community organisations, other government departments and mainstream service providers – now and into the future – to improve the health, wellbeing and safety of Aboriginal people in Victoria.
  • Korin Korin Balit-Djak: Aboriginal health, wellbeing and safety strategic plan 2017–2027, opens in a new tab. Sport is mentioned as an enabling action in several places, but most directly in Strategic direction 5.2.3: Increase participation of Aboriginal people in sport and recreation activities. Includes reflections on good practice, plans for action in the next three years, and what success will look like in 10 years.

Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS)

The Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS), opens in a new tab is funded by the Victorian State Government and is responsible for enabling Victoria’s best athletes to thrive and deliver their best results at benchmark events, such as Olympics, Paralympics and Commonwealth Games.

• First Nations Strategic Plan 2023-2026, opens in a new tab. The Victorian Institute of Sport First Nations Plan vision is to create an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes and staff will continue to thrive. We are committed to ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes are recognised, respected and celebrated throughout the VIS to inspire other athletes to achieve national and international sporting success.