Netball’s Melbourne Vixens, soccer’s Western United and rugby league’s Melbourne Storm have been backed as part of a Victorian Government initiative to ensure professional sporting outfits can weather the coronavirus storm.

The $9 million supportpackage to ensure the short-term viability of professional clubs and national sporting organisations based in Victoria complements a $40 million Government investment in community sport and recreation bodies, including clubs and leagues.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today confirmed that 10 professional clubs had won grant support, also including the Melbourne Rebels (Super Rugby), Melbourne Aces (Australian Baseball League) and the Vixens’ cross-town rivals Collingwood Magpies Netball.

Elite basketball outfits Bendigo Spirit and Melbourne Boomers (WNBL) and Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix (NBL) complete the roster.

Some 20 peak bodies and other organisations were awarded support under the program including Basketball Australia, the National Basketball League, the Australia 3×3 Hustle, Snow Australia, Motorsport Australia, Gymnastics Australia, Tennis Australia, Cycling Australia and the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia.

National organisations for athletics, motorcycling, pony club, blind sports, bowls, netball, swimming, disabled wintersport, hockey, baseball and golf were also successful. These grants will help defray reduced income from sources including competitions and events, membership and sponsorship.

The professional sport and national sport organisation program is part of the Government’s $150 million Experience Economy Survival Package which was announced in May to help sport and racing organisations, community sport and the creative and tourism industries.

The sports sector is a key part of Victoria’s economy, employing more than 20,000 full-time-equivalent staff and making an annual economic contribution in excess of $4 billion.