The Victorian government has committed to funding Reclink Australia’s life-changing sport and recreation programs across Victoria over two years in the 2025–26 state budget.
The $5 million investment—$2.5 million per year—will ensure Reclink can continue to deliver its mission of using sport, recreation and community connection to transform the lives of people experiencing significant disadvantage, including loneliness, inactivity, mental illness, loneliness, addiction, unemployment and social isolation.
The funding outcome is the result of strong cross-government support and advocacy, with Reclink extending deep gratitude to the Hon. Ros Spence MP, Minister for Community Sport, the Hon. Gary Maas MP, Senator Lee Tarlamis and the Hon. Steve McGhie MP for their leadership and belief in the power of Reclink’s programs.
Reclink CEO Dave Wells said the announcement provides critical stability and reflects the growing importance of Reclink’s targeted sport and recreation as part of Victoria’s social and health policy agenda.
“This investment is about more than sport – it’s about inclusion, mental wellbeing and hope,” Wells said. “This funding ensures we can continue creating pathways to connection, confidence and healing through community sport and recreation. We thank the Victorian government for recognising the deep impact of our work and for standing with Reclink to make sure no one is left behind.”
The announcement comes as part of a broader $40.3 million budget investment into local sporting clubs and community participation, reaffirming Victoria’s commitment to grassroots sport and inclusive access.
Reclink’s ActiVIC and Future Active programs—named in the government’s Backing Jobs in the Events, Sports & Cultural Capital release—are among the initiatives supported by the new funding, providing tailored engagement opportunities for young people, people living with mental illness and others facing complex life challenges.
Peter Cullen AM, Reclink Founder, said this milestone reflects decades of community work, innovation and resilience by the Reclink team.
“From one kick of the footy to national reach, Reclink has shown what’s possible when sport is used as a tool for healing,” said Cullen. “This partnership with government moves us one step closer from being the sport capital of the world to also being the sport inclusion capital of the world… which is our vision for Victoria.”
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Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.
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