BRIMBANK council is set to lose key partnerships with major disability stakeholders after the state government announced plans to cease funding an Access for All Abilities (AAA) program.
The council’s community well-being director Neil Whiteside said the decision would stop hundreds of Brimbank residents from making important connections.
But a government spokeswoman denied the program was being axed and said a pool of funding would still be available.
Mr Whiteside said the progam had helped many people with a disability integrate into sport and recreation.
“The Brimbank AAA program has developed partnerships with many sports bodies.
‘‘Council is investigating the possibility that some programs may be retained, but most of the achievements of Brimbank’s AAA program will be lost with the funding withdrawal.”
Sport and Recreation Minister Hugh Delahunty’s spokeswoman said local sporting associations could “pitch” for a $3.9 million pool of funding to provide opportunities for people with a disability.
“Making this happen requires more direct involvement by state sporting associations – Victoria’s peak bodies for community sport and recreation – which are best placed to support development of local sporting clubs.
“Disability sports and community organisations will be invited to offer programs and services that complement and support work by state sporting associations and Regional Sports Assemblies. Sport and Recreation Victoria is now discussing the details of their proposals with those organisations.’’
