Telstra has committed more than $1 million to support eligible junior sports and community football clubs and umpiring groups across Australia with equipment grants as part of the 2010 Telstra Assistance Fund.
Since 2003, the Telstra Assistance Fund has provided over 5,700 sports and community clubs across Australia with more than $7 million worth of equipment.
These equipment grants are available for eligible junior rugby league, AFL, swimming and surf live saving community clubs, and the program is now expanding to include the Telstra Country Music program and The Australian Ballet.
Telstra Group Managing Director, Public Policy & Communications David Quilty is pleased to see the continued support the Telstra Assistance Fund can provide to these community organisations.
"Through the Telstra Assistance Fund, we are able to provide grassroots support with much needed equipment which is vital to these clubs keeping their members at the top of their game," said Mr Quilty.
"These clubs are the lifeblood of their communities, and Telstra is pleased to provide the equipment that helps young people follow their sport, music or dance dreams," he added.
Telstra understands the passion local communities have for their sports and community clubs and continues to support these communities at a grassroots level.
Collingwood star and Telstra Ambassador Dale Thomas believes clubs such as his junior football club are vital support network for its members and the broader community.
"Community and sporting clubs like my junior club are important to our local communities, and without their support I certainly wouldn’t be as successful in life or on the field as I have been," said Mr Thomas.
"The equipment grants available through the Telstra Assistance Fund really help the clubs in small communities to be able to provide services to their members," he added.
To apply, eligible clubs simply need to go to the website at
www.ideasforgood.com.au/taf, identify the most appropriate equipment package for their club and provide a summary of how the equipment would benefit their club.