Gymnastics
6 February, 2026
Funding lifeline for gymnastics club
A glimmer of hope has buoyed Natimuk and District Gymnastic Club members after their temporary closure due to fire damage to their clubrooms during Grass Flat on January 9.
They have learned that recent emergency funding is now open to applications from community organisations and sporting clubs.
As a not-for-profit organisation, the club did not qualify for earlier government funding and faced a dire future while waiting to see how much of the damage insurance would cover, meanwhile remaining closed to its 300 members.
Head Trainer Lynette Morrow welcomed the news and expressed enthusiasm that the club may now qualify for funding.
The 'Look Over the Farm Gate' Community Grants Program, announced on January 16, now allows community and sporting organisations to apply for emergency funding.
"We are expecting to get our insurance assessor's quotes shortly, but at this stage we will not be able to open this term, and we are not sure how much longer after that," she said.
"Our expenses remain the same, even though we are not operating to have any income, so if we can get some assistance, that would be so good.
“We can't go on without income much longer."
The recent funding aims to support bushfire-affected communities and assist farmers and their families facing hardship.
A Victorian Government spokesperson said community organisations, including community sporting clubs, are eligible to apply for funding under this program.
“We know recent fires have had a devastating impact on many Victorian communities, including their local clubs,” the spokesperson said.
“We are working closely with councils and community organisations to assess and understand the scale of damage to vital community infrastructure.”
"We will work with Natimuk and the District Gymnastic Club to assess their needs and what role we can play in supporting them."
Ms Morrow welcomed the news but said she is still looking for a temporary venue that can be adapted to their needs in the meantime.
"The club is important to the community for many reasons, especially since the fires, so I hope that this will work out for us," she said.
The government also announced an additional $160 million in support to help families, businesses, and primary producers.
Further information on support and services for businesses affected by and recovering from the bushfires is also available on the Business Victoria website.
This includes financial and mental health support, as well as free small-business mentoring.
These supports aim to assist small businesses through this challenging period, and the government says it will continue to work closely with councils, Visitor Economy Partnerships, industry associations, and other key partners on longer-term regional recovery.
Further information on support and services for businesses affected by and recovering from the bushfires is also available on the Business Victoria website.
This includes financial and mental health support, as well as free small-business mentoring.
