Automotive

Next round of SA car club grants opens next week

Local car and motorcycle enthusiasts are getting into gear with the SA Governments Car Club Program back for a third round of grants.

Image credit: William Chamberlain

Local car and motorcycle enthusiasts are getting into gear with the SA Governments Car Club Program back for a third round of grants, continuing the successful initiative nurturing the state’s motoring community.

For its third instalment, the grant program will focus on enabling clubs to expand capacity with new programs and off-road initiatives, alongside upgrades to infrastructure and new equipment. This funding will also facilitate the hosting of more activities and events to further enrich the motoring culture in South Australia.

The State Government has made $500,000 available for clubs to support their growth and operational plans.

The application window for the third round opens on 30 September and will close on 13 December 2024. Not-for-profit organisations that have been operational for at least 12 months are eligible to apply for these grants.

One of Australia’s only all female drift groups – Glitter Gang Drift Ladies – were one of the first to receive assistance through this program.

“These legends are doing great work to encourage women’s participation in motorsport!” Assistant Minister for Junior Sport Participation, Rhiannon Pearce said.

The club plans to host a festival day this weekend to get more women behind the wheel.

The program flew off the checked line as an electoral promise in 2023 with 128 clubs so far benefitting from the $1 million disbursed, facilitating various enhancements and events.

These funds have kickstarted several initiatives, such as youth driver education, club room refurbishments, and track enhancements. Other noteworthy projects funded include an international motorcycle rally and a specialised training day for four-wheel-drive handling skills.

Building on this momentum, the second round of grants was rolled out in July 2024.

This phase assisted an additional 72 clubs, enabling them to enhance their community involvement, safety measures, and celebration of important milestones.

Thanks to these grants, the Sporting Car Club of SA has invested in track improvements, while the Walkerville All Cars Club Inc has introduced a new rally control camera system to heighten participant safety.

 

Volksvest – an annual gathering hosted by the Volks Enthusiasts Club of SA – will host over 120 Beetles and Kombis converging in Modbury this November, thanks to the July grants and the Barossa Valley Ford Club is set to purchase event marquees with their funds.

The motoring landscape in South Australia includes over 200 recognised clubs and nearly 46,000 vehicles registered under the conditional – historic – registration scheme.

This continuity of support for local car and motorcycle clubs underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable motoring community throughout South Australia.

The successful applicants for this round of funding will be announced in 2025, promising new opportunities for the state’s motoring enthusiasts to drive their passions forward.

Clubs wishing to apply can find more information and submit their applications through the program’s page on the SA Car Club Program website.

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